Army completes 'preliminary' phase of Shawal operation

General Raheel visits troops in North Waziristan, vows to reach objective of creating a terror-free Pakistan

RAWALPINDI: Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Raheel Sharif while appreciating intelligence-based operations (IBOs) across the country has once again vowed to achieve the end objective of creating a terror-free Pakistan.

General Raheel visited forward most locations close to Pak-Afghan border in North Waziristan Agency (NWA) on Friday, where he was briefed in detail by the formation commander about the progress on the continuing Operation Zarb-e-Azb.

COAS in North/South Waziristan.visits forward most area close to Pak-Afgn Border.Briefed on progress of ops&future plans to clear Shawal-1

— Gen(R) Asim Saleem Bajwa (@AsimBajwaISPR) July 3, 2015

While addressing the troops who just completed the preliminary phase of the operation in Shawal, he appreciated special integrated teams which carried out IBOs across urban areas of Pakistan and severed links between terrorist’s sanctuaries in remote areas and their sleeper cells in cities.

Talking to troops who just successfully completed prelim phase of Shawal&cleared peaks around Shawal,COAS commended them for op gains-2

— Gen(R) Asim Saleem Bajwa (@AsimBajwaISPR) July 3, 2015

Appreciated spec integ teams for IBOs across country, and for severing links b/w terrorist in remote areas& their sleeper cells in cities..3

— Gen(R) Asim Saleem Bajwa (@AsimBajwaISPR) July 3, 2015

Read: Army chief vows ‘terror-free’ Pakistan

General Raheel commended their professionalism, sacrifices and state of high morale, which was visible through their operational gains so far. It's a matter of great privilege and honour to be commanding such an accomplished and battle hardened Army, COAS re-emphasised.

He directed all concerned to continue the operations to apprehend all terrorists, their facilitators, abettors and financiers from anywhere across the country without any discrimination and irrespective of the cost.

"We will not stop unless we achieve our end objective of a terror free Pakistan," he said.

"ops to continue to apprehend all terrorists, facilitators,abettors,financiers from across country w/o discrimination,irrespective of cost"4

— Gen(R) Asim Saleem Bajwa (@AsimBajwaISPR) July 3, 2015

"We will not stop till we achieve our end objective of a terror free Pakistan"-5 pic.twitter.com/rEbWYiX7WX

— Gen(R) Asim Saleem Bajwa (@AsimBajwaISPR) July 3, 2015

The army chief also visited WANA, South Waziristan Agency (SWA) where he was briefed on the continuing rehabilitation work, and its effects on the social landscape of area, particularly the relief that they bring to all residents of these regions.

Read: Firm resolve: PM, army chief vow to wipe out terrorists

Commending the noteworthy effects of already completed numerous small scale and mega projects. He underscored the importance of capitalising operational gains to bring lasting peace and prosperity to the region.

Acknowledging the hardships and sacrifices of TDPs, General Raheel emphasised on all stake holders to ensure TDPs' expeditious and dignified return to better built and rehabilitated areas for longterm stability on the bordering regions of Pakistan and reiterated that army will fully participate to assist in completing all development projects in time.