Terrorists evicted, will never be allowed to return: COAS

PESHAWAR: Chief of Army Staff, General Raheel Sharif said on Tuesday that terrorists have been evicted from their sanctuaries and the writ of the state has been restored but now the operation has entered its most difficult phase, which is of rebuilding damaged areas, resettling IDPs and establishing an administrative system.

The Army Chief was speaking at the special provincial Apex committee meeting in Peshawar. The meeting was attended by the Governor and Chief Minister of Khyber Pahkhuntkhwa, COAs, Corps Commander Peshawar and senior provincial and FATA secretariat officials.

According to a statement released by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) branch of the Pakistan Army, the Army Chief paid rich tributes to the resilience and sacrifices of the people of FATA and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa saying “with unflinching resolve and courage, our proud tribesmen of FATA and people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa stood up to atrocities of the terrorists, pushed them back and marginalized them in the society,” which deserves highest of accolades, it read.

The Army Chief further said that after successfully evicting terrorists form their sanctuaries and restoring writ of the state, we are in the most difficult phase of the operation; physically rebuilding the war-damaged areas, resettling of IDPs and eventually establishing an administrative system that focuses on the needs and aspirations of the people.

The COAS laid emphasis that with the help of the tribal brethren the Pakistan Army will ensure that terrorists and their facilitators are never allowed to return to these areas.

He vowed to ensure a timely and dignified return of those temporarily displaced to resettle them in their respective homes. He reiterated his commitment with the tribals, to rebuild the area and revive the entire socio-economic infrastructure.

The Army Chief emphasized on all concerned to expedite the resettlement process and meet time lines by removing impediments which are causing delays in timely completion of the work.

The Governor and Chief Minister appreciated the whole hearted support of the Pakistan Army and reiterated the resolve of FATA and the provincial government to rid the province of terrorism and extremism and pave way for development and well being of the people.