Zarb-e-Azb objective is a terror-free Pakistan: COAS

PESHAWAR (92 News) - Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif has said the ongoing operation Zarb-e-Azb will not stop unless the objective of a terror-free Pakistan is achieved. He was speaking while visiting remote locations near Pak-Afghan border in North Waziristan Agency on Friday to oversee the operation Zarb-e-Azb. He was briefed in detail by the formation Commander about progress of the Operation and future strategy to clear the remaining pockets of terrorists in Shawal Area. Later the Army Chief talked to fighting troops who have just successfully completed the preliminary phase of Shawal operation and cleared all peaks in the areas. He commended their professionalism, sacrifices and state of high morale. He said that he is proud of commanding such an accomplished and battle hardened Army. General Raheel appreciated special integrated teams which carried out Intelligence Based Operations across urban areas of Pakistan and severed links between terrorist's sanctuaries in remote areas. He vowed to continue all operations to apprehend terrorists, their facilitators, abettors and financiers from anywhere across the country without any discrimination. He reiterated that the operation Zarb-e-Azb would continue till the achievement of a terror-free Pakistan. The Army Chief also visited WANA in South Waziristan Agency where he was briefed on the on-going rehabilitation work, and its effects on the social landscape of area. He commended timely completion of numerous small scale and large projects in the Agency. Acknowledging the hardships and sacrifices of TDPs, he emphasized on all stake holders to ensure early and dignified return of TDPs to their homes.