PESHAWAR/ISLAMABAD - Army Chief Raheel Sharif on Monday said that all terrorists along with their sanctuaries must be eliminated without any discrimination.
In a statement issued here by the ISPR, Chief of Army Staff General (COAS) Gen Raheel Sharif visited Corps Headquarters Peshawar. On this occasion, he was given a briefing on the progress of Operation Zarb-e-Azb.
Expressing his satisfaction over preparation and progress of the operation, the COAS said the operation was not targeted against “our valiant tribes” of North Waziristan but against the terrorists who are holed up in the area and have picked up arms against the state.
He directed for undertaking special measures towards diligent management of IDPs (internally displaced persons) in coordination with the relevant civilian agencies. He reiterated that with the support of the nation, particularly of “our proud tribal brethren”, Operation Zarb-e-Azb will be concluded successfully.
General Raheel Sharif separately addressed participants of National Security and War Course at National Defence University (NDU) Islamabad on Monday.
Senior officers of armed forces, international security personnel of 30 countries and senior civil bureaucrats were present on the occasion.
In his address, which was focused on security situation, the army chief emphasised that operation is aimed to eliminate all terrorists and their sanctuaries in North Wazirastan and get rid of the menace of terrorism.
Gen Sharif also briefed the participants on internal and external situation of the country and ongoing operation in the North Waziristan Agency.
During his address, the COAS was confident to wipe out militants both local and foreigners, who are using country’s land for their nefarious designs.
Meanwhile, the former army officers have welcomed the operation in North Waziristan Agency and are of the view that Pakistan Army will achieve its goals.
While talking to this correspondent, Secretary Gen of Ex-Servicemen Association Brig (r) Mian Muhammad Mehmood said, “We welcome the operation because it is high time to eliminate these terrorists.”
Brig Mehmood said that more that 1000 Uzbak terrorists are hiding in the area and now Army must eliminate them or flush them out from the country with the help of local Mahsud tribes.
Gen Hameed Gul said, “We are praying for the success of the operation and it is the responsibility of the civilian government to facilitate the IDPs.”
Taliban have been divided in two fictions and this is the only positive outcome of the peace talks, he added.
Gen Mehmood Ali Durrani said, “We welcome the operation and now it is the responsibility of political leadership and people of Pakistan to extend moral support to the armed forces.“