Army chief calls for joint efforts against terrorism
RAWALPINDI: Chief of the Army Staff Gen Raheel Sharif said on Wednesday that ongoing Operation Zarb-i-Azb would ensure peace in Pakistan and beyond, and terrorists would not be allowed to regroup.
Giving Pakistan’s perspective on international security at the Centre of International Study in Rome, the COAS said Zarb-i-Azb is a comprehensive concept against terrorism.
The general is on a three-day official visit to Italy.
Anti-terror war termed a fight for survival of Pakistan
According to Inter-Services Public Relations, he said Pakistan was fighting terrorists for regional peace and major operations were progressing well.
He emphasised that for the world terrorism was a conflict but for Pakistan it was a war of survival.
“Our enemies are stoking terror to destabilise our country but we are determined to defeat their designs,” he added.
The army chief said terrorists had attacked our common roots, and being a trans-boundary phenomenon terrorism required global response and support.
“Only together we can win this war against terrorism.”
He said a comprehensive resettlement plan for affected areas and a better border coordination mechanism with Afghanistan would be ensured.
He said Pakistan and Afghanistan are uniquely, inseparably placed. Peace in one country is not possible without peace in other and Pakistan has shown sincere efforts for reconciliation, he said.
The army chief said both Pakistan and Afghanistan had a shared destiny and Islamabad is optimistic about the success of reconciliation process.
He appreciated that the international community acknowledged Pakistan’s efforts for reconciliation. He said there was a need to beware of detractors and spoilers which were a challenge for both Pakistan and Afghanistan. He said dividend of peace and prosperity as a result of reconciliation process would be for all.
The event was attended by intelligentsia and senators who appreciated the address, said the ISPR.
Published in Dawn, July 30th, 2015
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