SHAWAL, 22 MAR (DNA) – Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Raheel Sharif has directed troops to continue the decisive phase of Zarb-e-Azb Operation till all terrorist hideouts are cleared, ISPR said.In a press statement on Tuesday, DG ISPR Asim Bajwa said that General Raheel Sharif visited North Waziristan today and appreciated the good progress of final phase of operations in Shawal valley.

“The farthest edges of Agency are being cleared and 650 sq kilometers have already been cleared so far in final phase,” he said.

Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif has said that Pakistan Army has cleared 650 square kilometres of uncontrolled area in the final phase of operation in Shawal Valley.

During his visit to North Waziristan Agency Tuesday where he spent the day with troops and tribals, he appreciated the intelligence agencies for matching pace of busting sleeper cells in urban centres in rest of the country.

During a briefing, General Raheel expressed his complete satisfaction over progress of concluding phase of operation in Shawal. He vowed to continue operations till total elimination of hide outs and curse of terrorism and extremism from across the country.

Talking to troops on the occasion, the COAS commended the spirit of sacrifice displayed by them in Shawal Operation under harsh weather condition and treacherous terrain.

The Army Chief was also briefed on the ongoing rehabilitation work and its effects on the socio-economic landscape of the area. He directed all concerned to further boost the pace to meet time lines and ensure a dignified and early return of TDPs to a better built area.

Later, the 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, they will never allow these terrorists to return to their area.

The Army Chief also laid foundation stone of state of the art Younas Khan sports Complex at Miranshah for the youth, to be constructed by Army engineers. Renowned cricketer Younas Khan was also present on the occasion, as the Complex has been named after him.

Later, the COAS had a round of under construction Miranshah Bazar and appreciated Army Engineers for their dedicated efforts in executing quality construction work. According to Bajwa, tribesmen requested Army not to leave till the reconstruction and re-settlement of IDPs completes.

“Tribal elders have also demanded quality educational institutions for boys and girls as they are visibly keen to resume more productive life for their families,” he added. DNA