PESHAWAR Dec 23 (APP): Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Raheel Sharif on Thursday said that overall law and order in the country had significantly improved and the country was heading towards attainment of peace and stability.
Inaugurating the First Governor FATA Youth Festival here, the COAS said the nation had been fighting terrorism for long.
“The journey to achieve successes will continue in the form of operation Zarb-e-azb. Pakistan Army is fully backed by the entire nation and our determination to deal with the scourge will continue to be unaffected,” he said.
The successes are being achieved following sacrifices rendered by the tribals, Pakistan Army, law enforcement agencies and the entire nation, he said.
He said the improving law and order had paved the way to the launch of projects like China Pakistan Economic Corridor.
General Raheel Sharif said that youth played an important role in development of a country. The major part of the country’s population consisted of youth, who were highly valuable asset for the future of Pakistan.
He said the youth from FATA was fully equipped with all the capabilities and efforts were in hand to provide them ample opportunities so that they could play their role in the development of the country in general and their area in particular.
The COAS said to achieve the goal Pakistan Army had opened a chain of educational institutions inclusive of cadet colleges for the students of the area. He said promotion of technical education and offering youth employment scheme were part of these efforts.
He expressed the hope that FATA’s youth would always keep the country’s honour and emblem at the high esteem.
General Raheel Sharif pointed out that Pakistan Army had assisted FATA Secretariat in the promotion of sports in the area.
As part of these efforts he announced to set up a cricket stadium in Khyber Agency. A modren sports complex would also be established in North Waziristan, he added.
He said that the sportsmen of FATA had not only proved their mettle at national level, but also internationally.
He expressed the hope that their abilities would further polish after facilties were provided in the sports sector.
He said for the attainment of lasting peace they would continue to make efforts not only in tribal areas but throughout the country.
He said all these successes could be achieved with full support of the entire nation with special regard to youth.
General Raheel Sharif expressed the hope that the youth would not only come up to his expectations, but the entire nation and they would continue their positive role in putting the country on path of progress and prosperity.
He assured that the Pakistan Army would never let the nation down.
Later, he formally announced the opening of the First FATA Youth Festival.