Human cost: Army chief celebrates Eid with troops, IDPs

General Raheel spends time with displaced tribesmen at camp in Bannu


Our Correspondent August 01, 2014

PESHAWAR:


Army chief General Raheel Sharif visited North Waziristan Agency to celebrate Eidul Fitr with troops on the front lines of Operation Zarb-e-Azb and stayed overnight at Miramshah camp.


Upon arrival, the operation commander briefed the army chief on progress of the operation. General Raheel expressed his satisfaction over the achievements and progress made in eliminating militancy.

Military feats

The army chief appreciated “the high morale, courage and determination” of the soldiers who are executing the military operation. He advised them to remain focused on speedily conducting the operation and skillfully eliminating all militants.

He emphasised the need to strengthen border mechanisms to prevent any infiltration from across the border to undermine the effects of operation. He paid tribute to the martyrs and the wounded and said they had rendered supreme sacrifices for the country’s defence.

He vowed not to stop short of eradicating terrorism from across the country. Only with the sustained focus of the entire nation can we jointly accomplish our objective of a terror-free Pakistan, the army chief said.

Displaced people

Later, the army chief visited an IDP camp in Bannu to spend time with the tribal brethren from North Waziristan.

While speaking to IDPs, he assured them of the commitment and support of the army and the nation in providing them not only relief but also in executing an ultimate resettlement plan for them.

Acknowledging the cooperation and sacrifices rendered by brave tribesmen, the army chief reiterated that together they would bring peace, development and prosperity to the region.

He also appreciated the troops and agencies involved in the IDP affairs for their hard work. He voiced hope that with improved coordination between all stakeholders, relief work will ensure better resource mobilisation and distribution.

Earlier on arrival, the army chief was received in Miranshah by Corps Commander Peshawar, Lt Gen Khalid Rabbani.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 1st, 2014.

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