ISLAMABAD - Pakistan Army will stay in Swat to hunt down high value targets and clear the remaining hideouts and sanctuaries of the terrorists in the valley.
Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani stated this while addressing the 119th Corps Commanders’ Conference at General Headquarters on Thursday.
According to informed sources, the COAS said that tide in Swat has ‘decisively turned’ as major population centres and roads leading to the valley had been largely cleared of organised resistance by the terrorists.
He said that Army would continue to carry out operations at a limited scale to clear remaining hideouts and sanctuaries, adding that Army would stay in Swat to provide security to the people and tackle isolated incidents of violence.
The Chief of Army Staff thanked the people of Pakistan and the media for their wholehearted support during the ongoing operation. He reiterated Army’s resolve to defeat the terrorists. He also appreciated the morale, professionalism and dedication of the troops engaged in fighting the terrorism and violent extremism. He lauded the sacrifices being rendered by the officers and soldiers alike in the line of duty.
The COAS also paid rich tributes to the sacrifices and heroic resilience of the IDPs in sustaining the difficulties for the sake of peace and stability in their homeland. “We can’t afford to leave our displaced brethren in the lurch at this critical time,” the COAS said and urged all to work hand in glove to garner maximum support for the relief and rehabilitation for IDPs.
He expressed the hope that the government would be able to immediately launch a robust administrative effort on the heels of successful military operation, making it possible for the IDPs to return as soon as possible. He stressed that a civilian administrative surge was required for creating a conducive environment for the return of IDPs. “Army will provide whatever assistance is required. We will spare no effort towards this end,” he maintained.
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