Tide has turned against terrorists, says Gen Raheel

Says security, assistance to civilian govt priority during tenure

QUETTA: Army chief Gen Raheel Sharif on Tuesday said ‘security’ and ‘assistance’ to the civilian government in ‘institution building’ and ‘development work’ in remote areas has been his priority during his tenure.

“The people of Balochistan have clearly rejected foreign-sponsored terrorists and helped the state in busting their network,” said the army chief while addressing officers and troops of Southern Command and Frontier Corps Balochistan as part of his farewell visits.

The army chief began farewell tours of various army outposts across the country on Monday, ending public speculation that he might seek an extension of his term in office.



Gen Raheel, who is retiring next week after serving for three years as army chief, also said the tide has turned against terrorists and their sympathisers, and “the army will continue working with the federal and provincial governments for greater security and stability”.

He commended the officers and soldiers of Southern Command and Frontier Corps for managing an arduous task of construction of over a 1000km-long road network in a rugged and hostile terrain.

The army chief particularly mentioned the FWO and NLC and said their tireless efforts have helped operationalise the CPEC in the stipulated timeframe.

Referring to the Gwadar Port, Gen Sharif said, “The Gwadar Port and CPEC will usher in a new era of hope and prosperity for the area with dividends reaching the common man.”



He appreciated the Southern Command for reintegrating youth by their mass induction into the FC/army, rehabilitation of earthquake-hit Awaran and training of 6,000 policemen and levies.

Gen Sharif also lauded the improvement attained in managing long and treacherous borders with Afghanistan and Iran that has helped improve overall security in the province.

Earlier on arrival, Lt Gen Aamir Riaz, Commander Southern Command and Maj Gen Sher Afgun, IG FC Balochistan received the army chief.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 23^rd, 2016.