Pakistan's army chief on Thursday hailed his troops for bringing "normalcy" to the tribal region bordering Afghanistan, where Taliban and Al-Qaeda linked militants have been active.
General Ashfaq Kayani visited the South Waziristan tribal district and handed out bravery awards to officers and soldiers, a military statement said.
"He (Kayani) appreciated the efforts of security forces which helped restore normalcy in the area," the statement said.
More than 1,000 Pakistani troops have died in fighting with Al-Qaeda and Taliban militants since Pakistan joined the US-led "war on terror" following 2001 attacks on the United States, for which Al-Qaeda claimed responsibility.
The army has said Kayani declared 2008 the "Year of the Soldier" after he took over from President Pervez Musharraf as army chief in November.
Army morale has been hit by casualties in the ongoing fight against Islamic militants in the tribal areas and the surrender of more than 250 troops to insurgents in the region last year.
Allies of Musharraf suffered heavy losses in parliamentary elections on Monday. Analysts say Western allies will anxiously eye Pakistan's new political set-up for signs of backsliding in the "war on terror," but a democratic government will likely help their cause.
The Western-friendly Kayani is reportedly close to Musharraf but keen to reduce the army's role in politics.
