Counter-terrorism: ‘South Waziristan purged of militants’

Plans announced for reconstruction and rehabilitation as IDPs return.

LADHA/ RAWALPINDI: Chief of Army Staff General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani reiterated on Tuesday that South Waziristan has been completely cleared of militants, while the army spokesperson denied reports of a rocket attack in the region.

In a statement, Major General Athar Abbas said that an operation is being carried out against militants in the area of Shawal in which helicopters are being used to destroy the whereabouts of militants.

On the other hand, media reports say that militants fired four rockets in the area of Ladha while Kayani and Air Chief Marshal Rao Qamar Suleman were in the region for a visit.

Kayani, while on his visit to South Waziristan, said that rehabilitation and reconstruction is currently under way.

He further said that a double road is being constructed in Tank, Jandola, Makeen, and Wana, and voiced hope that the expansion of the road would usher in Afghan transit trade.

The army chief also added that work is under way on various projects worth approximately Rs14 billion.

The army, he added, is focusing on four sectors, which include construction of infrastructure, education, roads, provision of electricity and clean drinking water projects.

Meanwhile, the air chief marshal inaugurated a school in Ladha and the army chief laid the foundation stone of a model health centre, which is to be financially supported by the government.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 8^th, 2010.