RAWALPINDI – Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Raheel Sharif on Friday visited troops deployed on the front-lines along the Line of Control (LOC) in Kel and Bagh sectors.
According to the military’s media wing, the ISPR, the COAS greeted the troops on Eid and spent time with them. He commended the troops for their high morale, operational preparedness and vigilance along the LOC.
General Raheel Sharif, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) visited troops deployed on frontlines along the line of… https://t.co/lM97EWix2l
— ISPR (@ISPR_Official) July 8, 2016
Paying tribute to the sacrifices of officers and men of the Pakistan Army, the COAS appreciated their valor and extreme commitment for the defense of the country.
Earlier on arrival, the COAS was received by Corps Commander Lieutenant General Malik Zafar Iqbal.
On first day of Eid ul Fitr, the Army chief had spent Eid with troops in the forward areas of North and South Waziristan agencies.
The COAS offered Eid prayers at Shawal and interacted with the troops. Later, he visited Datta Khel where he also met with troops.
The COAS was briefed by Corps Commander and Formation Commander in detail, about ongoing combing and stabilization operation as part of the Zarb-e-Azb and efforts to improve the post-operation security environment.
He said the nation and Army had paid a huge price for eliminating terrorists and restoring peace in the country.
“We will not let these sacrifices go waste,” the COAS said. “With FATA cleared and terrorists being chased across the country, we are determined not to allow them to return and reverse our gains,” he added.
The COAS said operations against terrorists of all hue and colour would continue.
He said,”As consolidation goes on and operational dividends optimized for Pak-Afghan border region, Pakistan will not allow anyone to use its soil against Afghanistan and LEAs to take concrete measures against violators.”
General Raheel said peace and stability along Pak-Afghan border “remains our priority, towards which we will commit all our efforts.”
Border management and dignified repatriation of Afghan refugees were important enablers for lasting peace, he added. “Our efforts for peace in Afghanistan have been acknowledged while we are committed to facilitate the reconciliation process with sincerity, commitment and resolve, we expect non-use of Afghanistan territory against Pakistan,” he said.
