Counter-terror efforts: Gen Raheel hails army’s ‘phenomenal’ operations

Army chief urges soldiers to train hard for future challenges


APP May 19, 2015
Army chief General Raheel Sharif. PHOTO: ISPR

RAWALPINDI:


Chief of the Army Staff Gen Raheel Sharif has said that ‘phenomenal’ achievements in recent counterterrorism operations have made the Pakistan Army the world’s most accomplished force. He was addressing officers and troops at the concluding ceremony of the 4th Army Physical Agility and Combat Efficiency System Championship at Kharian on Monday.


Since last June, the army has been engaged in a massive ground and air operation against terrorists associated with different proscribed outfits holed up in North Waziristan. The Taliban controlled almost all of North Waziristan until the Pakistan Army launched the long-awaited military offensive codenamed Zarb-e-Azb.



“Our performance in recent operations has been phenomenal and we have cleansed large remote areas of terrorists in the most treacherous terrain and in the most trying circumstances owing to fitness and professionalism of our officers and men,” Gen Raheel said, according to a statement issued by the military’s media wing, the Inter-Services Public Relations.

“This makes us the most accomplished army that the world now recognises and the nation rightly takes pride in,” he added.

In yet another push to flush out the Taliban from their last stronghold of Shawal Valley in the mountainous north-western region of North Waziristan Agency, security forces have killed dozens of militants in airstrikes in recent days.

The army chief also underlined the importance of individual soldier’s physical efficiency and combat worthiness for success of counterterrorism operations. “We must continue to train hard to be able to take on the multi-dimensional potential challenges characteristic of future conflicts.”

He also expressed his satisfaction over the objectives of physical standards achieved through this new fitness regime which were essential for future battlefield environments.

The army chief later gave away trophies to the winner and runners-up teams, as well as medals for best individual performances. Certificates and insignias were awarded to five “Super Fit” and 100 “Fittest of the Fit” soldiers.

Meeting with prime minister

Gen Raheel also met Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif at the Prime Minister House on Monday. The overall security situation of the country was discussed during the meeting, according to a statement issued by the PM Office.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 19th, 2015. 

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