Rawalpindi, June 14, 2016: General Raheel Sharif, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) visited forward locations in North and South Waziristan and spent whole day with the tribes and troops busy in consolidation phase of Operation Zarb-e Azb. COAS was given detailed briefing on ongoing Operations and comprehensive Rehabilitation work and its effects on the social landscape of area.
While acknowledging exceptional achievements, courage, determination and sacrifices of troops in achieving the Operational gains, COAS said Zarb-e-Azb was launched against terrorists of all hues and colour and sanctuaries of terrorists have been dismantled without discrimination. COAS said that operation Zarb-e-Azb is in its final stage in the fewer left out pockets. Pakistan Army with support of the entire nation has achieved unparalleled successes in fight against terrorism.
COAS also inaugurated multiple projects as part of the post operation comprehensive rehabilitation plan for FATA. COAS inaugurated 72 km long Miranshah – Razmak- Makeen dual carriage Road as part of the 705 KMs Central Trade Corridor. The newly constructed road by FWO will considerably reduce traveling time between North and South Wazirstan. Later COAS commissioned state of the art 100 bedded Sheikha Fatima Binte Mubarak hospital at Sholam, SWA. COAS said development of Fata is a priority task being undertaken by the army as a comprehensive plan. These projects will improve the quality of life in tribal areas, usher a new era of economic prosperity and address the problem of militancy on a long term basis, COAS emphasized. Pakistan Army has undertaken 567 projects so far in the social sector, communication infrastructure and power sector in Waziristan.
General Raheel Sharif appreciated the support of the tribal brethren in combating terrorism and acknowledged their sacrifices. He assured them that terrorists would never be allowed to return and Army will not go back till the job is fully done. As return of TDPs and their resettlement works continue so as to complete by end year 2016, our focus within FATA will now be on more efficient border management to prevent cross border movement. For enduring stability, IBOs and combing operations will continue with same vigor across the country