COAS sends Eid gifts for families of APS martyrs

Gen Raheel visits Miramshah, shares Iftar meal with TDPs in Bannu

PESHAWAR/ ISLAMABAD: In an effort to spread Eidul-Fitr cheer, Army Chief General Raheel Sharif on Monday sent special gifts for families of students killed in the December 2014 attack on the Army Public School in Peshawar.

The parents of the students killed in the attack confirmed to The Express Tribune that army officials called them and asked them to collect their Eid gifts.

Army chief sends bouquet, well wishes to ailing Edhi

As many as 140 people were killed when gunmen stormed the Army Public School in December 16, 2014.

Talking to The Express Tribune, Taufal Khattak, parent of one student martyred in the attack, appreciated the army chief’s gesture stating that he was very thankful to the army who remembered the affected families on Eidul Fitr.

He added that he has seen the hustle and bustle in the market after a long time.

“I feel proud that the markets have been restored and the fear of sacrificing our children has been eliminated,” Khattak added as he confirmed a call from army officials.

Army chief visits TDPs

The army chief visited North Waziristan Agency (NWA) on Monday to review the post operation security environment, progress of return of temporary displaced persons (TDPs) and reconstruction work.

He visited the Miramshah a day after high-powered US delegation led by Senator John McCain, Chairman US Senate Arms Services Committee, travelled to the North Waziristan and praised Pakistan’s enormous successes in its counter-terrorism campaign.

The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement that the army chief’s visit mainly focused on TDPs and their dignified return to their respective areas.



Gen Raheel was briefed by the Corps Commander and Formation Commander in detail about the post-operation security environment, progress of TDPs' return and their resettlement and reconstruction work.

The army chief reiterated his emphasis on ensuring quality of life through a comprehensive rehabilitation plan.

Later, he met the TDPs in Bannu and had Iftar with them. He exchanged views with them on various aspects of return, resettlement process and development work.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 5^th, 2016.