RAWALPINDI: Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif on Tuesday inaugurated multiple development projects in South and North Waziristan, including the 72km long Miranshah – Razmak - Makeen dual carriage road which is part of the 705km Central Trade Corridor.

The army chief inaugurated the projects as part of the post operation comprehensive rehabilitation plan for FATA, said a statement from the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

The road, constructed by the Frontier Work Organisation (FWO), will considerably reduce traveling time between North and South Wazirstan.

General Raheel Sharif also inaugurated a 100-bed modern Sheikha Fatima Binte Mubarak hospital at Sholam in South Waziristan, added the ISPR statement.

While in the region, the army chief paid a visit to troops deployed on the frontlines of North and South Waziristan and praised their exceptional achievements, courage, determination and sacrifices in achieving the stated operational gains of Operation Zarb-i-Azb.

“Zarb-i-Azb was launched against terrorists of all hues and colour, with sanctuaries of terrorists dismantled during the operation without discrimination,” said General Raheel Sharif.

The army chief added the support of the entire nation has made the success possible.

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“Development of FATA is a priority task being undertaken by the army as part of a comprehensive plan. These projects will improve the quality of life in the tribal areas, usher in a new era of economic prosperity and address the problem of militancy in the long term,” stated the army chief.

ISPR added that Pakistan Army has undertaken 567 projects in the social, communication, infrastructure and power sectors in Waziristan.