Baloch people helped end terror network: Gen Raheel

Tide in Balochistan turned against terrorists and their sympathisers

QUETTA: Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Sharif said on Tuesday the people of Balochistan had clearly rejected the foreign-sponsored terrorists and helped the state in busting their network.

He was addressing the officers and jawans of the Southern Command and Frontier Corps, Balochistan, as part of his farewell visits, says the military’s media wing ISPR in a statement released to the media.

Paying glowing tribute to the officers and soldiers of the Southern Command and the Frontier Corps, he said now the tide in Balochistan had been turned against terrorists and their sympathizers and a large number of Ferraris were surrendering, ‘we will continue to work with the provincial and federal governments to ensure greater security and stability.

He said security and assistance to civil govt in institution building and development work in remote areas had been his priority which brought him to Balochistan almost every month. He commended the Southern Command for managing the arduous task of constructing over 1,000km road network in the rugged and hostile terrain which helped in operationalization of the CPEC in a stipulated time frame.

General Raheel said Gwadar Port and the CPEC will usher in an era of hope and prosperity for the area with dividends reaching the common man. He also appreciated the Southern Command for reintegrating the youth through mass induction into the FC and Army, rehabilitation of quake-hit Awaran and training of 6,000 policemen and Levies.

He also appreciated improvement in management of long and treacherous border with Afghanistan and Iran which helped improve the overall security situation in the province.  Earlier on arrival, Commander Southern Command Lt Gen Aamir Riaz and IG FC Balochistan Maj Gen Sher Afgan received General Raheel.

  Meanwhile, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (JCSC) General Rashid Mahmood Tuesday visited the National Defence University (NDU) and met students and staff there. He visited the university as part of his farewell visits. The NDU President Lt. Gen. Nazeer welcomed him.