Those hindering counterterrorism operations to face music: COAS

WASHINGTON: In a very resolute tone, the Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), General Raheel Sharif, has declared that the counterterrorism operations in Pakistan will not be reversed at any cost and action will also be taken against those impeding the operation.
Addressing a dinner reception hosted in his honour at the Pakistan Embassy here, the army chief stressed the urgency to combat all kinds of terrorism-related forces and underlined that these operational steps should have been taken “yesterday”. He highlighted that the operation will continue uninterrupted as he sees “light at the sees “light at the end of the tunnel.”
Gen Raheel Sharif said that “a lot needs to be done” regarding the operation and the situation “needs to be handled prudently.” Expanding on this point, he said that all and any terrorism “facilitators, sympathisers and supporters need to be taken to task.” He asserted that the war against terrorism will be taken to its logical conclusion, and emphasised that a great many sacrifices have been made not to slow down or turn back.
The COAS said that the Army has conducted “12,000 intelligence-based operations in Karachi, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and all over the country.” These operations were successful in “finding linkages” and resultantly a number of people were apprehended. He announced that these intelligence operations will continue as such operations found links of Indian intelligence agency RAW’s involvement as well.
He said that Operation Zarb-e-Azb has become a success story because of the unprecedented support from the nation. The Army chief added that “we are at a crucial juncture,” and more than “5,000 uniform men have lost their lives, including the police and Rangers, in the counterterrorism operations.”
In his ten minutes long address, the COAS declared that the operation will be “no way reversed,” because the aim was to make the country “as secure and peaceful as possible.” He said development projects like Gwadar, Reko Diq will ensure economic progress. He specifically mentioned China-Pakistan Economic Corridor and said that the project will be “materialised in a couple of years.”
Commenting on his engagement with US officials, General Raheel said that military-to-military relations were at their best and with the American administration the relations were on a positive trajectory.
It is pertinent to mention here that the media was initially instructed not to report the event as it was off the record. The press was not allowed to bring any audio/ video equipment or notepads, yet the embassy high-ups later issued a press release on the event.
The statement from the embassy read that the army chief noted that both Pakistan and the United States had convergence of views on countering the existing and emerging threats in their mutual interest. “He expressed satisfaction at the upward trajectory and growth in the Pak-US defence and counterterrorism cooperation at this critical juncture in the history,” the statement said.
The ambassador, the statement added, in his welcoming remarks highlighted the vital role played by Armed Forces of Pakistan in safeguarding the country from internal and external threats. “In his remarks he profusely appreciated the immense sacrifices rendered by Pakistan Armed Forces personnel in bringing peace and security to the country.”
Earlier, on Thursday, the COAS and his delegation met Vice President Joe Biden to discuss regional stability and security. The meeting went on for at least two and a half hours and was also attended by US Special Representative for Pakistan and Afghanistan, Richard Olson, and Special Assistant for South Asia affairs, Peter Lavoy, as well as defence and national security representatives.