–COAS says terrorism and development can’t go together therefore local population needs to remain vigilant against terrorists
RAWALPINDI: Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa said on Wednesday that no conflict ends through kinetic operations alone, adding that there is always a post-operation rehabilitation and development effort.
Addressing a combined Jirga of tribal elders from North and South Waziristan agencies, Gen Bajwa said that peace has largely returned to the region, however, a few IED incidents have recently taken place in North Waziristan. He said that while stability operations continue alongside border fencing, socio-economic progress is also catching up.
COAS said that terrorism and development can’t go together, therefore, it needs to be ensured through collective efforts that the unrest doesn’t return, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement.
The COAS asked the local population to remain vigilant as the main stakeholder to retain the attained peace and stability in the area.
The ISPR said that the COAS was briefed about stabilisation operations and progress of fencing along Pak-Afghan Border in Waziristan at Angoor Adda. The ISPR said that the COAS appreciated quality and speed of work.
The army’s media cell said that the tribal elders thanked the COAS for restoration of peace in the area, merger of Federally Administered Tribal Areas into Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and ongoing efforts for socio-economic development in the area.
They also assured COAS of their unflinching support to security forces and the state.
The tribal leaders also mentioned a requirement for additional communication infrastructure, electricity, water, educational institutions and upgraded cellular network facilities, said the ISPR.
The army chief thanked local tribal elders for their support and cooperation for the security forces. He said that the suggestions offered by tribal elders are valid and most of these are already included in the mid to long term development plan of the government, the ISPR added.
