Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif distributes gifts among the families returning to North Waziristan. PHOTO: APP
While commending the sacrifices of army troops in Operation Zarb-e-Azb, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said on Friday that the North Waziristan offensive would help eradicate terrorism and restore peace not only in the tribal regions but also in the rest of the country.
“Well done, the armed forces did a good job, for which they deserve all praise. They eliminated terrorism from the region and established peace. Now you [internally displaced persons] can live there in peace,” the prime minister said while addressing the IDPs in Mir Ali town of North Waziristan.
He also lauded the sacrifices of the IDPs, saying that his government would provide all resources for their rehabilitation in their areas. “We will provide resources for the reconstruction of your houses. It is our duty, as you have shown courage and given sacrifices for the establishment of peace in the area,” he added.
Tens of thousands of tribesmen had been evacuated from North Waziristan last year before the military launched Operation Zarb-e-Azb against homegrown terrorists and their foreign cohorts. Most parts of the agency have been purged of terrorists and repatriation of the IDPs to these areas has started in March 2015 – which is ongoing.
The prime minister voiced hope that with the end of terrorism due to Operation Zarb-e-Azb, not only the tribal regions would become a cradle of peace, but it would also help establish peace across Pakistan.
He reiterated his government’s resolve to launch development projects in the tribal belt, saying that schools, colleges and hospitals would be constructed in the region so that local tribesmen have health and education facilities at their doorstep.
The premier also lauded the armed forces for looking after the IDPs during their temporary stay in shelter camps in Bannu district and elsewhere in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. He assured the IDPs his government and the armed forces would ensure their security.
Army chief General Raheel Sharif, K-P Governor Sardar Mehtab Ahmad Khan Abbasi and SAFRON Minister Lt Gen (retd) Abdul Qadir Baloch also accompanied the prime minister.
Separately, speaking at a ceremony in Peshawar, Premier Nawaz said ensuring peace in the country was a top priority of his administration because a peaceful environment was vital to achieving progress, prosperity and development in real terms.
“We are striving for the establishment of peace across the country, as it will bring about prosperity, attract investment, and help check poverty, unemployment and illiteracy,” He said at the ceremony where cheques were distributed among the families of those who lost their lives in the ‘severe strom’ in Peshawar Valley Sunday evening.
“With peace being restored, a marked reduction has been witnessed in incidents of terrorism across country,” he said.
The prime minister said the ongoing surgical operation in Karachi was also part of his government’s efforts to eliminate terrorism from the country. “The people of Karachi are now more satisfied as incidents of street crimes, terrorism, extortion and targeted killings have decreased. The lights of Karachi are being restored,” he said.
Nawaz also highlighted the importance of good relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan and said the two neighbours should enhance cooperation to fight the menace of terrorism from the region. “We are following this policy,” he added.
Published in The Express Tribune, May 2nd, 2015.
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