Lack of progress on NAP implementation affects Zarb-e-Azb: army chief

General Raheel calls for synergised national response for successfully tackling terrorism in the country

Army chief General Raheel Sharif has declared lack of progress on implementation of National Action Plan (NAP) damaging for the progress of ongoing military operation Zarb-e-Azb, a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said.

“NAP is central to achievements of our objectives and its lack of progress is affecting the consolidation phase of operation Zarb-e-Azb,” General Raheel was quoted as saying while presiding over a high-level security meeting at General Headquarters in Rawalpindi. The meeting was called to review progress of both NAP and Zarb-e-Azb.



According to the communique, the army chief suggested that all segments of the society will have to play their role effectively to tackle the menace of terrorism. “Unless all prongs deliver meaningfully and all inadequacies are addressed, remnants of terrorism would continue to simmer and long-term peace and stability would remain a distant dream.”

The COAS said that Pakistan has come a long way in fighting war on terror and is reversing the tide towards eliminating this scourge from its soil. “While there has been considerable improvement in security environment and dividends have started to reach masses, any distracting and inciting comments and theories by some quarters are unhelpful and undermining the overall national effort.”

No one will be allowed to undo counterterror gains: COAS

He also emphasised the need to synergise the national response to successfully conclude the efforts. “I salute the people of Pakistan, all security forces and intelligence agencies, for their tireless efforts and sacrifices to bring about peace and stability.”

The forum, which was attended by principal staff officers (PSOs), DG ISI, Rawalpindi corps commander and other senior army officers, reaffirmed its resolve to continue to contribute towards full spectrum national security.