No one will be allowed to create impediments and turbulence in any part of Pakistan; Operation Zarb-e-Azb in Fata in final stages; operation aimed at breaking syndicate of terrorism, extremism and corruption; terms CPEC corridor of peace, prosperity for entire region; promises total security to CPEC projects
GWADAR: The Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), General Raheel Sharif, has said the Operation Zarb-e-Azb in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (Fata) is in the final stages.
Addressing a seminar on ‘Peace and Prosperity in Balochistan and CPEC’ here on Tuesday, Gen Raheel said: “Having passed through a tough fight against terrorism, we have now come a long way in our struggle for stability and development.
“As you all know, the Operation Zarb-e-Azb is in progress, and let me say with satisfaction that we are in the final stages of our military operation in Fata.“I take pride in mentioning the strong resolve and sacrifices offered by the people, intelligence and law-enforcement agencies, and our gallant armed forces,” the COAS said.
Gen Raheel said the Operation Zarb-e-Azb was not only an operation but a “wholesome concept”. It ultimately aims at breaking the syndicate of terrorism, extremism and corruption.“I urge the international community to not only acknowledge our successes and sacrifices, but also come forward in blocking external help to these terrorist organisations and their facilitators, abettors and financiers. With relative stability achieved, the environment for launching development projects is now set,” he added.
The COAS said the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) was the grand manifestation of deep-rooted ties between the two countries. “Much larger than its bilateral benefits, the CPEC is indeed a corridor of peace and prosperity, not only for the people of Pakistan and China but also for the region and beyond.“It will bind all these nations together and bring about an economic transformation through enhanced connectivity,” he added.
The COAS said, “It is indeed a matter of great honour and privilege for me to be part of this august gathering. I am thankful to the Balochistan government, headquarters Southern Command and organisers of the seminar for giving me an opportunity to attend this event of immense significance.views and worthwhile ideas which will help us in optimising the true potential of the project.”
Balochistan Chief Minister Nawab Sanaullah Zehri, Commander Southern Command and others attended the seminar. The army chief said CPEC is a lifetime opportunity for Pakistan to improve socio-economic equation of its underprivileged areas and populace. “I assure the people of Balochistan that it is they who will benefit the most from the fruits of the project.”
He said in place of today’s rugged mountains and lifeless barren deserts, “we look forward to the emergence of modern infrastructure, special economic zones, health facilities and universities which will bring enduring benefits for our people” after completion of CPEC.
“Zooming out to the global and regional level, we have seen a wide appreciation of CPEC by many world powers who appreciate its true potential as a catalyst of economic transformation of the entire region.
“At the same time, CPEC has also raised many eyebrows by those competing for influence in the region. In this context, I must highlight that India, our immediate neighbour, has openly challenged this development initiative.
“We all know that hostile intelligence agencies are averse to this grand project. Here, I would like to make a special reference to Indian Intelligence Agency RAW that is blatantly involved in destabilising Pakistan and its development projects including CPEC.
“Let me make it clear that we will not allow anyone to create impediments and turbulence in any part of Pakistan. Therefore, it is important for all to leave behind confrontation, and focus on cooperation.”
The army chief said: “Since the onset of CPEC, Balochistan has seen unprecedented development of communication infrastructure. “We mobilised army engineers for construction and, army and Frontier Corps units for security of the projects. Over the past two years, 675 kilometres of roads have already been constructed, while by the end of this year, a total of 870 kms of road infrastructure will be completed by the FWO.”
“As the Chief of Army Staff, I assure you that security of CPEC is our national undertaking and we will not leave any stone unturned. We will continue to keep a close watch at its every step. To this effect, a 15,000 strong dedicated force is already in place under the ambit of Spec Security Division,” Gen Raheel said.
“CPEC, besides being at the core of our national resolve, is a reflection of Pakistan-China friendship. It will be truly realised, whatever it takes. Insha-Allah this year, we will move cargo from heartland China to Gwadar and beyond, fulfilling our dream,” he pledged.
“I have no doubt in my mind that, with the help of God Almighty, Gwadar is set to become a port, worthy of its geo-political significance, transforming our beloved Pakistan into a prosperous state, as envisioned by Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah,” he added.
It was pertinent to mention that though Gwadar was central to the broader conception of CPEC the corridor itself ranged from Western China to the plains and coasts of Pakistan and promised to bring prosperity to the remotest areas of Pakistan from Gilgit-Baltistan to Balochistan, he said.