RAWALPINDI:
Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani on Wednesday emphasised the need for local Pakhtun tribes to take full responsibility to ensure peace in Mohmand Agency, while the area paid rich tributes to the soldiers who laid down their lives in the fight against terrorism in the region.
Addressing troops at Wali Dad Top, near the Pak-Afghan border, during a visit to Mohmand Agency, he attributed the success of the military operation in the region to the “outstanding combat skills and high morale of the armed forces and the FC.” He also praised the joint operations of the army and the air force for the clearance of the Suran Sector, an ISPR press release said.
General Kayani also met Mishrans (notables) of Mohmand Agency and thanked them for their support towards military operations. He emphasised the need for tribes to take full responsibility and effective control to ensure peace in the area. He also directed military and civil authorities to extend all possible support to the returning IDPs.
Malik Subedar Safi, representative of the local Mishrans, thanked the COAS and acknowledged the sacrifices of the army in flushing out terrorists. Mishrans also appreciated the efforts of the Political Agent in restoring the old system of the tribal administration as per their Riwaj.
General Kayani was informed that over 1,500 terrorists have surrendered to the Political Agent and are being dealt in accordance with the Frontier Crimes Regulations (FCR).
During the army operations in Mohmand, 69 officers and soldiers were killed and 231 were injured [including 41 critical injuries], the press release said. The COAS was accompanied by Corps Commander Peshawar Lt General Asif Yasin Malik and IG FC Major General Nadir Zeb.
Published in The Express Tribune, July 14th, 2011.
COMMENTS (15)
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What does it matter . . . beard or no beard. Brave and battle hardened soldiers, defending their mother land with their lives!!! God be with them.
In an army, the loyalty of a soldier, in an ideal world, should lie to his regiment, then to his corps and then to the army. He is not supposed to entertain any other ideology that will cloud his judgement.
In an army, each regiment will have its rules regarding etiquette and uniform all designed to make it unique and to lift the morale of the soldier. In almost every country, the army requires the individual soldier to have a smart haircut, neatly fitting uniform with shining shoes, gleaming shirt buttons and a crisp salute. The morale of the regiment improves when all the men turn out looking smart.
In the army, the leader of the regiment is supreme and he is supposed to do the thinking and he is the one forming the strategy. The individual soldier, as long as he wears his uniform, has to follow his leader and he is not supposed to have any other ideology or worldview or agenda. (If the leader encourages the soldier to have independent views, well, that is a different story altogether.)
I have nothing against the Sunnah. But, I ask you, when the enemy is attacking, the soldier hears the call for prayer from mosque. What the solider should do? Follow the Sunnah or follow the call of his leader of the regiment?
The tribes do not have the resources to fight muscular, suicidal and heavily armed militants. That is the army's job.
I’d be more amazed if those guys had beards and no moustaches. That would have been alarming.
@ Malik
Why would it be alarming if the troops had beards and no mustaches? Why look down on someone practicing Sunnah of the beloved prophet (SAW) of Allah?
Fair enough if you guys don't practice Sunnah yourself but you should at least have enough decency to respect other people who practice that particular Sunnah.
I would expect comments like these made by some in the west, but here we have a so called Muslim looking down on the Sunnah.
Learn about your religion the life of Muhammad (SAW)
Supporting beared is an indls choice that reflects nothing negative. there is no need to be defensive or critical about it. with that beared they stand and secrifice for the cause of country.
those who are blindand fail to see light have no rt to comment. We are proude of our Armed Forces and we appreciate, recognize and adore their secrifices. It is because them we stand united and it is because of them our enemie dread us. Criticisim for correction is welcome criticisim due to jealousy or illwill is nothing more then rubbish
@Amazed: I'd be more amazed if those guys had beards and no moustaches.
That would have been alarming.
The beards just show the roughness of the battle ground. Even US ISAF soldiers in Afghanistan grow beard- or may be its a part of their 'Winning Hearts and Minds' strategy.
@Amazed: is it that bad to have a beard. Sterotyping is so common with the 'enlightened and educated' lot of this world
@faraz: Right between the eyes! Thanks and regards, Mirza
If tribals are to take up the responsibility of fighting deadly militias, then they should be the ones getting the DHA and cantonment plots. Tribals should also be compensated for their role in 1948 war and Afghan jihad.
Something starkly different (or not so stark) noticed there? Apart from the generals, 95% soldiers in the picture are in beard
Bravo Pakistan Army. May ALLAH ALMIGHTY be with you.