Terror fight is a war for Pakistan’s survival: COAS

ISLAMABAD:

Army chief General Raheel Sharif on Wednesday called the ongoing war on terrorism a matter of ‘survival’ for Pakistan. “For the world, terrorism is a conflict, but for Pakistan it is a war of survival,” he said in a speech at the Centre of International Study in Rome.

According to the military’s media wing, Gen Raheel delivered a stern warning to elements trying to whip up terrorism in the country.

“Our enemies are stoking terrorism to destabilise our country, but we are determined to defeat their designs,” he was quoted as saying by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR). Although he did not say so explicitly, the army chief was understood to be referring to India’s alleged subversive activities in Pakistan.

On the other hand, Gen Raheel said Pakistan and Afghanistan shared a unique relationship and were inseparable. “Peace in one country is not possible without peace in the other,” he told the gathering at the institute.

Highlighting that Pakistan had undertaken sincere efforts to bring about reconciliation in Afghanistan, the army chief appreciated that the international community had acknowledged Pakistan’s hard work.

At the same time, he warned that detractors should not be allowed to challenge the process and stressed that “dividends of peace and prosperity are for all”.

His statement came against the backdrop of conflicting reports about the fate of Afghan Taliban leader Mullah Omar. BBC claimed the militant commander died two or three years ago. However, the Taliban reportedly denied the report and termed it as an attempt to sabotage the peace talks.

Talking about the war on terror, Gen Raheel said Operation Zarb-e-Azb was a comprehensive concept against terrorism.  “We will ensure a terror-free Pakistan and region,” he said. “Zarb-e-Azb will ensure peace in Pakistan and beyond, and terrorists will not be allowed to re-establish themselves again.”

The army chief added that a comprehensive resettlement and rebuilding plan is in place for areas affected by the military offensive against terrorist. “A better border coordination mechanism with Afghanistan will [also] be ensured,” he said.


Published in The Express Tribune, July 30^th, 2015.