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 said twenty (20) soldiers embraced martyrdom in the line of duty. The Minister said he cannot give any timeframe for the completion of the operation. However, efforts will be made to finish it as early as possible. He said the government will not rest until the elimination last terrorist from the country.
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 visited North Waziristan Agency on Monday.
Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif 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 urged the soldiers to eliminate all local and foreign terrorists and their sanctuaries during the Operation Zarb-e-Azb. The Army chief lauded the troops for their courage, dedication and high state of morale.
He acknowledged and appreciated the support of the entire nation and avowed that Insha Allah, with unflinching national resolve and clear direction, we will accomplish our mission and rid Pakistan of the scourge of terrorism. He specially paid rich tributes to Shuhada and wounded.
He 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 also assured of Army’s role in rebuilding and restoring normalcy in the restive North Waziristan Agency.
General Officer Commanding gave General Raheel Sharif a detailed briefing on the ongoing Operation.
