Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Raheel Sharif on Tuesday visited North and South Waziristan and attended briefings about the progress of stablisation operations, return of internally displaced persons (IDPs) and development works in Fata.

While addressing the jirga of tribal elders, Gen Raheel said: "Operation Zarb-i-Azb had irreversibly eradicated terrorist networks from Fata and army has made considerable gains in our operations and reached close to objective of total elimination of terrorism from Pakistan."

The army chief vowed to ensure secure and prosperous future to youth of Pakistan. “We will give a secure and prosperous Pakistan to our future generations,” he was quoted as saying by the military's media wing.

Gen Raheel lauded the tribal elders for their full support to the security forces in their effort for peace and stability of the region, read the statement issued by Inter-Services Public Relations.

He also ordered to complete the return of remaining IDPs within stipulated time before the end of 2016.

The army chief inaugurated various development projects in the area which include 84-kilometre long Bannu-Miranshah-Ghulan Khan road funded by USAID and Younus Khan Sports Stadium.

He also visited newly opened Army Public School in Chagmalai.

During the visit to Miranshah, Begum Raheel Sharif had a separate interaction with the huge gathering of local ladies. She appreciated their sacrifices and heard their issues related to resettlement, the ISPR said.