Pakistan won't withdraw army from its western borders

Naudero, Dec. 27 (ANI): Pakistan's Adviser on Interior Rehman Malik has said that the government would not withdraw the army from the FATA and Swat regions and the military operation would continue.

Malik also said that the locals of these regions were co-operating with the security forces, the Daily Times reported.

He also added that all the political and religious parties were united in defending the nation.

Malik hinted that the presence of some trouble making elements who didn't want peace in the region was behind the present tension between India and Pakistan.

Earlier, Pakistan had moved 20,000 soldiers near the Indian border due to increase in tension with New Delhi in the aftermath of the Mumbai terror attacks, according to the intelligence officials.

The Pakistan Army's 14th Division has been redeployed to the towns of Kasur and Sialkot, close to the Indian border, two Pakistani intelligence officials said on condition of anonymity.

The redeployment, which was to relocate about one-fifth of Pakistani troops serving in the country's tribal areas, began on Thursday evening, CBC News reported.

Pakistan has shifted its 4 Corps, an important strike arm, to Lahore, just 25 km from Attari, highly placed sources said.

Its 10th brigade, consisting of around 5,000 personnel, has further been moved to forward areas along Punjab. Similarly its 3rd Armoured Brigade has been moved towards Jhelum.

At the same time, the Pakistan army was making war preparations with old bunkers on the borders being renovated and new ones being constructed. (ANI)