Zarb-e-Azb to continue till peace is restored permanently: Defence minister

PM Nawaz has a clear policy of maintaining friendly relations with neighbouring countries, says Asif

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif stated that Operation Zarb-e-Azb would continue until peace and tranquility in the tribal areas was reinstated permanently, Radio Pakistan reported.  

He lauded the efforts of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in taking measures to maintain peace in the region.

"PM Nawaz has a clear policy of maintaining friendly relations with neighbouring countries," Asif said.

"We are ready to welcome any criticism to resolve the ongoing power crisis," the defence minister said in his Tuesday address to the National Assembly.

The minister also informed the parliament that the federation had only 26 per cent shares of K-Electric and underscored the need to unite and resolve the power crisis.

Read: A year on, 2,763 militants killed in Operation Zarb-e-Azb: ISPR

Earlier this month, Asif confirmed that the military offensive --which was launched on June 15, 2014-- had entered its final phase.

Since its launch last year, at least 2,763 militants have been killed in ground operations and air strikes. Hundreds of militant hideouts have also been destroyed.

Although a time-frame for the completion of the operation has not been confirmed by the minister, efforts are underway for its completion at its earliest.

“The government will not rest until the elimination of the last terrorist from the country,” he said earlier.

Read: Operation Zarb-e-Azb: 400 militants killed so far, says Khawaja Asif

Operation Zarb-e-Azb was launched on June 15 last year following a brazen attack on Karachi airport – that signalled the collapse of the government’s peace talks with the outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan