COAS visits North Waziristan
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PESHAWAR: A day after a US congressional delegation visited Miramshah and praised the Pakistan Army’s efforts for the rehabilitation of the temporarily displaced persons (TDPs), Chief of Army Staff Gen Raheel Sharif arrived in North Waziristan on Monday and reviewed the post-operation security environment and progress in TDPs’ return.
The army chief has been a frequent visitor to the tribal agency, where security forces launched a grand military operation, Zarb-i-Azb, against terrorists two years ago and managed to clear the area, once considered a hotbed of Taliban militants.
Later in the evening, Gen Raheel also met TDPs in Bannu and broke his fast with them. According to an Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) statement, the army chief’s visit was mainly focused on the TDPs and their return to their respective areas.
Peshawar Corps Commander Lt Gen Hidayatur Rehman and other military officials briefed Gen Raheel on the post-operation security environment, progress in the return of TDPs, their resettlement and reconstruction work.
The army chief reiterated his emphasis on ensuring quality of life through a comprehensive rehabilitation plan.
Gen Raheel exchanged views with the TDPs on various aspects of their return, resettlement process and development work being carried out in North Waziristan.
On Sunday, a US congressional delegation led by Senator John McCain, the chairman of US Senate Armed Services Committee, visited Miramshah and saw areas cleared of terrorists, their hideouts and communication infrastructure.
Published in Dawn, July 5th, 2016
