Noose tightening around terrorists: COAS Raheel Sharif

CHITRAL: Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif on Sunday attended the ongoing Shandur Polo festival and said, it is the result of the sacrifices made by the nation and the armed forces that today people are able to breathe peacefully.

Addressing the festival participants, the army chief said that the Shandur festival sends a clear message to terrorists that Pakistanis will continue with their traditions without fear. 

“I assure you that noose is tightening around terrorists and their facilitators,” he said, adding that the mission against terrorists will continue nationwide to sustain peace.

Gen. Raheel Sharif also said that the day is not far when Pakistan becomes a symbol of education, development, peace and prosperity.

The COAS added that the Shandur festival is a positive step towards promotion of tourism in the country, and that organisers of the event deserve praise for their initiative.

Also read: Who will be Pakistan's next Chief of Army Staff? 

The three-day Shandur Polo festival kicked off on Friday, attracting a large number of local and international visitors who arrived to watch this unusual game at the highest Polo ground of the world.

Nestled amid the Hindukush Mountains, the Shandur polo ground is situated at a height of 12500 feet above sea level.

The sport is played on horseback with players hitting a ball with a mallet.

The festival has been organised after a three-year hiatus.