ISLAMABAD  - Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif has said that operation Zarb-e-Azb has been planned with long-term objectives to weed out terrorists from the tribal areas and rest of the country, and to ensure the rebuilding of affected areas and rehabilitation of the IDPs.
Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Raheel visited Mirali in North Waziristan Agency (NWA) on Saturday and celebrated 48th Defence Day of Pakistan with troops busy in operation against militants. Later, he went to the camp of temporarily dislocated persons (TDPs) in Baka Kheel. Army chief also directed that terrorists and their affiliates should not be allowed to return to the areas once cleared by the security forces.
The statement released by ISPR stated the army chief paid rich tributes to Shuhada (martyrs) and the wounded, who have rendered supreme sacrifices for defence of the country. “Elimination of this menace is a national undertaking and only with sustained focus of the entire nation, we can jointly accomplish our objective of a terror-free Pakistan,” he expressed his resolve.
COAS acknowledged all fighting soldiers involved in operation for writing new chapters of valour and sacrifices. He also appreciated the expertise and efforts of aviation and intelligence, who have immensely contributed in precise targeting of terrorists and disrupting their command arrangements.
Appreciating special integrated security teams, which have carried out sweeping pre-emptive operations in major cities, killing and apprehending hundreds of hardcore terrorists, he directed continuation of such operations.
COAS visited temporarily dislocated persons (TDPs) camp at Bannu on his way back and spent some time with them. COAS was briefed on the continued relief operation and supply of goods for TDPs and directed that conditions be created for their safe and happy return to their respective areas as soon as possible.
On arrival at Mirali, operation commander briefed the COAS on progress of Operation Zarb-e - Azb. COAS expressed his complete satisfaction over achievements and progress of the operation made so far in North Waziristan Agency.