Operation to continue till Pakistan freed from terror: COAS

RAWALPINDI: Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Raheel Sharif on Friday said the ongoing Operation Zarb-e-Azb will not stop unless achievement of the objective of a terror-free Pakistan.
The army chief said this during his visit to the forward-most locations close to the Pak-Afghan border in the North Waziristan Agency (NWA). He was briefed in detail by the formation commander about the progress of Operation Zarb-e-Azb and future plans to clear the remaining pockets of terrorists in the Shawal area, said an ISPR press release.
Later, talking to fighting troops who have just successfully completed the preliminary phase of the Shawal operation and cleared all peaks around Shawal, the COAS commended their professionalism, sacrifices and the state of high morale so visible through their operational gains so far.
He said it was a matter of great privilege and honour to be commanding such an accomplished and battle-hardened army.Appreciating the special integrated teams which have carried out intelligence-based operations (IBOs) across the urban areas of Pakistan and severed links between terrorists’ sanctuaries in remote areas and their sleeper cells in cities, he directed all concerned to continue these operations to apprehend all terrorists, their facilitators, abettors and financiers from anywhere across the country without any discrimination and irrespective of the cost.
“We will not stop unless we achieve our end objective of a terror-free Pakistan,” he added.General Raheel also visited Wana in the South Waziristan Agency (SWA) where he was briefed on the ongoing rehabilitation work and its effects on the social landscape of the area, particularly the relief that they bring to all residents of these regions.
Commending the noteworthy effects of already completed numerous small scale and mega projects, he underscored the importance of capitalising operational gains to bring lasting peace and prosperity to the region.
Acknowledging the hardships and sacrifices of internally displaced persons (IDPs), the COAS emphasised on all stakeholders to ensure their expeditious and dignified return to better built and rehabilitated areas for long-term stability on the bordering regions of Pakistan. He reiterated that the army would fully participate to assist in completing all development projects in time.Earlier on arrival, the COAS was received by Corps Commander Peshawar Lieutenant General Hidayatur Rehman.