Operation Zarb-e-Azb has entered its final phase: defence minister

ISLAMABAD: Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has termed the previous year a successful one for Zarb-e-Azb — the military operation launched last June to eliminate terrorists from the country.

In a statement by the defence ministry paying tributes to the martyred soldier and citizens, Asif said that the military offensive had entered its final phase.

He said that the operation had achieved several successes in the past year.

We pay our respects to those who have sacrificed their today for a brighter future for the nation, the defence minister was quoted as saying.

He said that the nation was grateful for and indebted to the martyrs of armed forces. He also commended the families of the martyrs for their extraordinary sacrifices.

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'2,763 terrorists killed since start of Zarb-e-Azb'

Over 2,763 terrorists have been killed and 837 militant hide-outs destroyed since beginning of Operation Zarb-e-Azb in June 2014, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said Saturday.

DG ISPR Major General Asim Bajwa said that the military has achieved significant success in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA), specially North Waziristan Agency and Khyber Agency, where militant strongholds and their sanctuaries have largely been cleared.

Bajwa said that the operation was now moving to the last few pockets close to Pakistan-Afghan border. Over 253 tonnes of explosive material have also been recovered from militants, he said.

Z-e-A:Op moves to last few pkts close to PakAfgn border.So far 2763 terrorists killed,837 hide out destroyed.253 tons explosive recovered-2

— AsimBajwaISPR (@AsimBajwaISPR) June 13, 2015

Over 18,087 weapons including Heavy Machine Guns, Light Machine guns, sniper rifles, rocket launcher, AK-47s were searched out of terrorist hideouts from North Waziristan alone.

The spokesman added that, in 9,000 intelligence based operations carried out in cities, thousands of terrorists and their abettors were apprehended and 218 hardcore militants killed.

As many as 347 officers and soldiers have embraced shahadat (martyrdom) since the launch of the operation, he said.

The general further said the entire nation stood united to totally eliminate terrorism. He also hailed media and civil society for their positive role to help end the menace.

Z-e-A:Whole nation came together to totally eliminate terrorism from http://t.co/TAq2segJXi,civ society playing +ve role 2 help end menace-5

— AsimBajwaISPR (@AsimBajwaISPR) June 13, 2015

The military spokesman vowed to continue operations for a terror-free Pakistan, adding that Chinese President and other dignitaries' visits, Pak-Zimbabwe cricket series and China Pakistan Economic Corridor are results of an improved environment in the country.