Commenting on a news item that appeared in a section of the press about meeting of media personnel with COAS, an ISPR spokesman said that the context of the meeting was to discuss security related issues. The exchange of views took place in an open and frank atmosphere.

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DARRA ADAM KHEL

Security Forces after an exhaustive effort of five days fighting with miscreants have secured the Dosti Tunnel, near Kohat on Monday. The Dosti tunnel had been occupied by miscreants on night 23-24 January. All traffic which passed through the tunnel had to be suspended owing to the security reasons. It may be mentioned that it is 1.8 kilometers Long tunnel which links Kohat with Peshawar. Located 13 kilometers from Kohat, the tunnel is a joint venture of Pakistan - Japan and a manifestation of long lasting friendship between two brotherly countries. The tunnel was completed in 2005 and opened for traffic. Darra Adam Khel a narrow gorge is located about 35 kilometers south of Peshawar. Darra Adam Khel draws its name for being an abode of Adam Khel clan of Pukhtoons' Afridi tribe.

On 24 January, in Darra Adam Khel, a group of miscreants hijacked 4 hired civilian trucks which were carrying stores and supplies including ammunition for Security Forces. Miscreants not only hijacked the trucks but also blocked the Indus Highway and occupied Kohat Tunnel also known as Dosti tunnel, due to which all traffic between Kohat and Peshawar was suspended. Political Administration made all efforts for recovery of these trucks and reopening of Tunnel through jirga but failed. Frontier Corps launched search and cordon operation to reopen the Indus Highway and Dosti Tunnel.

Reportedly, on 26 January, 25-30 miscreants were killed in exchange of fire with Frontier Corps troops south of Spin Thana. 2 Frontier Corps personnel also embraced shahadat and 10 others were injured. Fierce fighting continued till 27 January. At around 5 pm on Sunday, after three days fighting the Security Forces cleared the area of miscreants and took control of Kohat tunnel and surrounding areas. 24 miscreants were killed on 27 January in the ensuing battle with Security Forces and many fled from the area leaving behind huge quantity of arms and ammunition. Security Forces completely secured the area of miscreants on Monday 28 January.

The miscreants made all efforts to destroy the tunnel. They detonated a vehicle with explosives in order to cause serious damage to the tunnel. The explosions have caused some damages, however, the engineers are carrying out repair works. Hopefully, soon it will be opened for traffic.