ISLAMABAD, Aug 22: Army Chief Gen Ashfaq Pervez Kayani visited troops on forward locations in South Waziristan and Gilgit-Baltistan and Giyari sector and extended Eid greetings and expressed gratitude for their commitment to national security.

In South Waziristan, the general reminded troops of the importance of the fight against extremism and terrorism and thanked them for helping their fellow countrymen to celebrate Eid in peace.

“The soldiers’ reward lies in enabling the nation to celebrate Eidul Fitr in safe and secure environment,” he told the troops engaged in counter-militancy operation.

The country has been at the forefront in the war on terror since 2001, but it entered a new phase earlier this month when Gen Kayani in his Independence Day speech identified extremism and terrorism as the main threat to the country and asked the people to own it up as their own war.

Militants, allegedly from North Waziristan, struck a key PAF base in Kamra days before Eid.

The attack was foiled by alert security forces at the base and all nine attackers were killed.

The army chief, who was accompanied by Corps Commander of Peshawar Lt General Khalid Rabbani, praised troops for their courage and valour.

On Wednesday, Gen Kayani visited soldiers in Gayari Sector and forward positions in Gilgit-Baltistan.

In Gayari, he met troops busy in the recovery operation at the site of the April avalanche that had left 140 troops buried in snow.

Seventy-nine bodies have so far been recovered.

The operation launched immediately after the avalanche, has been continuing since then.

The COAS lauded the perseverance and motivation of troops involved in the effort.

The ISPR said in a statement: “Given the pace of recovery effort, it is hoped that before the onset of winter all bodies would be recovered.”

Later, the COAS, along with Corps Commander of Rawalpindi Lt Gen Khalid Nawaz Khan, visited Hamzigund to meet troops deployed along the Line of Control. He praised soldiers for their resolve, determination and devotion to duty.