COAS visits North Waziristan Agency, spends day with troops, tribals

RAWALPINDI, Dec 19 (APP): Chief of Army Staff (COAS), General Raheel Sharif visited North Waziristan Agency (NWA) and spent his day with troops and tribals of NWA on Saturday.
COAS was briefed in detail by the formation commander about recent progress of ongoing Operation Zarb-e-Azb, IBOs and return of TDPs.
Appreciating the progress, he vowed to continue operation till total elimination of terrorists, said a release issued by Inter Service Public Relations (ISPR) here.
While talking to troops on the occasion, COAS commended all officers and men for their courage, determination and spirit of sacrifice displayed by them in war against terrorism.
Appreciating intense hard work by intelligence agencies and Law Enforcement Agencies, COAS said that terrorist networks and their linkages are being unearthed across the country and this nexus will be broken at all cost to bring enduring peace.
COAS was also briefed on the ongoing rehabilitation work, and its effects on the socio-economic landscape of the area. He was satisfied with the pace of progress of rehabilitation work and directed all concerned to ensure a dignified return of TDPs to a better built and rehabilitated area.
Later, COAS interacted with tribal elders and recently returned TDPs, and assured them that Army will continue to remain in the area till completion of resettlement process.
Tribal elders paid rich tribute to Army for successful operations, and affirmed that with the help of the Army, terrorists will never be allowed to return in the area.
He also inaugurated 110 bedded Tehsil Headquarters Hospital Mir Ali, which has been equipped with state of the art equipment. He appreciated Army Engineers for their dedicated efforts in executing quality construction work.
To enhance education standards and help locals benefit from the emerging economic opportunities, COAS announced construction and opening of a Cadet College around Mir Ali for children of Waziristan.
Earlier on arrival, COAS was received by Corps Commander Peshawar, Lieutenant General Hidayat Ur Rehman.
According to data provided by ISPR of temporary displaced persons (TDPs), out of total 2,91,827 families, 1,08,503 (38%) families returned back while the agency wise percentage of returned TDPs was as NWA 15%, SWA 15%, Kurram 35%, Orakzai 34% and Khyber 78%.