ISLAMABAD: Appreciating resolve of Pakistani troops and locals in the tribal areas, Army Chief General Raheel Sharif on Tuesday said the whole nation has rejected the “misplaced ideology of the terrorists,” who he said have clearly lost their cause and are being marginalised.

Speaking to the troops, he commended their professional commitment and paid rich tributes to them for their sacrifices in bringing peace and normalcy to the troubled regions bordering Afghanistan, said a press release issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

The statement came during his visit of the field formations deployed in Waziristan tribal agencies today.

Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Sharif reiterated Pakistan Army's continued whole hearted support for tribal brethren under all circumstances.

He reviewed the progress of mega and micro projects of socio economic significance, being undertaken by the Army, and appreciated them for quality of work and timely completion in the area.

The ISPR press release added that the army chief particularly mentioned the construction of Central Trade Corridor – a 714-kilometre road network linking Pakistan’s Indus Highway and Waziristan agencies with the Afghan Ring Road.

The road network was already beginning to bring great economic dividend to the local residents of the region, it added.

Gen Sharif also visited other community development schemes in health, education, water and power projects, as part of successful programs for rehabilitation of the people.

Later, the COAS visited recently established Cadet College Spinkai Raghzai and lauded the college administration for the standard of education and administration being maintained.

Speaking to cadets, he said that these education projects completed by the Army would go a long way to groom a new generation of young Pakistanis from such remote areas and integrate them in the national mainstream.