Peace in and around Pakistan top priority: Army chief

General Raheel says stability was returning to Fata as a result of the military operation

Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif said on Tuesday peace in and around the country is the army’s top priority, in the country.

"Peaceful environment in and around the country is the army’s top priority," Director General ISPR quoted the army chief as saying on Twitter.

Addressing army officers at Bahawalpur Cantt, General Raheel said stability was returning to Fata as a result of the military operation.

"Can't take focus away from targeting terrorism in FATA, breaking their linkages in rest of country," the army chief said.

The army chief paid tribute to the resilience, professionalism and the sacrifices of armed forces in the continuing operation against militants.

Read: Army chief reaffirms commitment to eliminate terrorism from Pakistan

COAS at Bahawalpur,talks to offrs;Tribute to resilience,professionalism,sacrifices as seen in our ongoing fight vs terrorism-1/3

— Gen(R) Asim Saleem Bajwa (@AsimBajwaISPR) April 28, 2015

General Raheel said no challenge was impossible, saying that Pakistan’s greatest asset – the youth – should be encouraged.

Read: Army chief warns India on provocation along border

Pakistan’s armed forces are fighting the Taliban militants in the tribal belt as part of the Operation Zarb-e-Azb, which began in June 2014.

As result of ops,Stability returning.Can't take focus away from targeting terrorism in FATA,breaking their linkage in rest of country-2/3

— Gen(R) Asim Saleem Bajwa (@AsimBajwaISPR) April 28, 2015

No challenge insurmountable,let's take Pak fwd.Our greatest asset,youth must be encouraged, honed.Peaceful Envmt in&around Pak top priority3

— Gen(R) Asim Saleem Bajwa (@AsimBajwaISPR) April 28, 2015