Zarb-e-Azb targeting terrorists without discrimination, says Mamnoon

ISLAMABAD: President Mamnoon Hussain on Wednesday said that Pakistan’s policy on dealing with terrorist sanctuaries and militant organisations was very clear and the ongoing military Operation Zarb-e-Azb was targeting all terrorist outfits without discrimination.
He said fighting terrorism was amongst Pakistan’s top priorities and there was a national consensus and commitment to combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. The president was talking to outgoing US Ambassador Richard Olson, who paid a farewell call on him at the Aiwan-e-Sadr, said a press release.
The president expressed satisfaction that Pakistan-US relations were progressing well and highlighted the need to upgrade the bilateral relations to a long term strategic partnership. Referring to Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s upcoming visit to the US, the president said Pakistan keenly anticipated fruitful and productive engagements between the prime minister and President Obama during the visit. He appreciated the security related assistance provided to Pakistan by the US government and underscored the need to expand cooperation between Pakistan and the US beyond counter terrorism
President Mamnoon observed that during the tenure of Ambassador Richard Olson, relations between both countries witnessed a significant improvement and hoped that his successor would continue his legacy, contributing in a similar manner towards strengthening the Pakistan-US relations.
The outgoing US envoy appreciated the Operation Zarb-e-Azb and acknowledged the successes achieved against terrorists. Richard Olson said that 1,500MW electricity had been added to the national grid with the assistance of the US and reaffirmed his country’s commitment for continued assistance in overcoming the energy shortages and in construction of Diamer Bhasha Dam. The president wished the outgoing envoy success in his future endeavours.