Four hundred (400) terrorists have so far been killed during the ongoing operation Zarb-e-Azb in North Waziristan.
In an interview, Defence Minister of Pakistan Khawaja Muhammad Asif has said twenty (20) soldiers embraced martyrdom in the line of duty. The Minister has said he cannot give any time frame for the completion of the operation. However, efforts will be made to finish it as early as possible and the government will not rest until the elimination last terrorist from the country, he has further emphasised.
Khawaja Asif said the government will take main political parties into confidence for eradication of terrorism and timely return and rehabilitation of the displaced people.
In a separate development on the issue, the Chief of Army Staff, General Raheel Sharif has visited North Waziristan Agency on Monday. Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif has expressed satisfaction over the achievements made in operation so far and reaffirmed the resolve that terrorists will be chased and hunted down across the country till their final elimination.
While talking to the troops on the front lines in Miranshah ,General Raheel Sharif has urged the soldiers to eliminate all local and foreign terrorists and their sanctuaries during the Operation Zarb-e-Azb. The Army chief also has lauded the troops for their courage, dedication and high state of morale.
He has acknowledged and appreciated the support of the entire nation and has avowed that Insha Allah, with unflinching national resolve and clear direction will accomplish their mission and rid Pakistan of the scourge of terrorism. He has specially paid rich tributes to Shuhada and wounded.
He has also paid tribute to IDPs for their sacrifices to restore writ of the state. He re-affirmed that Army will not abandon tribal brethren in their hour of need and all possible assistance will be rendered to provide them maximum relief. He has assured of Army’s role in rebuilding and restoring normalcy in the restive North Waziristan Agency.
General Officer Commanding had given General Raheel Sharif a detailed briefing on the ongoing Operation. (PBC)
