Army to remain in North Waziristan till return of displaced persons
During his recent visit to North Waziristan Agency, Chief of Army Staff, General Raheel Sharif, inaugurated a hospital and also announced the construction of a cadet college in North Waziristan.
General Raheel Sharif, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) visited North Waziristan Agency (NWA) where he spent his day with troops and tribals on Saturday. COAS was briefed in detail by the formation commander about recent progress of ongoing Operation Zarb-e-Azb, Intelligence-based Operations (IBOs) and return of Temporarily Displaced Persons (TDPs). Appreciating the progress in region, he vowed to continue ops till total elimination of terrorists.
COAS was also briefed on the ongoing rehabilitation work, and its effects on the socio-economic landscape of the area. He was satisfied with the pace of progress of rehabilitation work and directed all concerned to ensure a dignified return of TDPs to a better built and rehabilitated area.
General Raheel Sharif also inaugurated 110 bedded Tehsil Headquarters Hospital Mir Ali, which has been equipped with state of the art equipment. He appreciated Army Engineers for their dedicated efforts in executing quality construction work. To improve education standards and help FATA residents benefit from the emerging socio-economic opportunities, COAS announced construction and opening of a Cadet College around Mir Ali for children of Waziristan.
Adressing to the troops, COAS commended all officers and men for their courage, determination and spirit of sacrifice displayed by them in war against terrorism. Appreciating intense hard work by intelligence agencies and Law Enforcement Agencies, COAS said that terrorist networks and their linkages are being unearthed across the country and this nexus will be broken at all cost to bring enduring peace.
Later, COAS interacted with tribal elders and recently returned TDPs, and assured them that Army will continue to remain in the area till completion of resettlement process. Tribal elders paid rich tribute to Army for successful operations, and affirmed that with the help of the Army, terrorists will never be allowed to return in the area.
Earlier on arrival, COAS was received by Corps Commander Peshawar, Lieutenant General Hidayat Ur Rehman.
38% of IDPs have returned home, army chief told in North Waziristan
Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif has been told that 38% of internally displaced persons (IDPs) have so far returned to their homes, according to an Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) statement.
During a visit to North Waziristan Agency on Saturday, the COAS was briefed about the ongoing operation in the area and return of IDPs. While interacting with the local tribal leaders and IDPs, the army chief assured them of the army’s presence in the area until the completion of the resettlement process.
Data on Progress of TDPs Return
Total families : 2,91,827
Returned Families : 1,08,503 (38%)
Agency wise percentage of returned TDPs
NWA : 15%
SWA : 15%
Kurram : 35%
Orakzai : 34%
Khyber : 78%