General Raheel inaugurates largest bridge in SWA, lauds tribesmen’s sacrifices in war against terror
Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Raheel Sharif said Sunday that the Pak Army has undertaken the development of the country’s Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) as a “priority task”. The general was speaking after the inauguration of the largest bridge on the Central Trade Corridor (CTC) in South Waziristan Agency (SWA).
According to an Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) statement, the Shakai-Makeen Road, funded by USAID, is an important section of the upcoming Central Trade Corridor (CTC). The road connects CTC’s two main axes including Bannu-Miranshah-Ghulam Khan Road and Wana-Aangor Ada Road.
The statement describes CTC as a strategic road link to improve trade between Pakistan and Afghanistan and asserts that the corridor would directly and indirectly contribute in revival of the economy of FATA and Kyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP).
Apart from other economic, security and strategic advantages, the newly constructed road would reduce travelling time considerably, the statement adds.
DEVELOPING FATA:
The ISPR statement adds that the Pakistan Army has undertaken 178 projects so far in the social sector, communication infrastructure and power sector in FATA and Malakand areas. These projects are aimed to improve the quality of life in tribal areas and address the problem of militancy on a long-term basis.
An international standard 705-kilometre-long road network is also being built by army engineers that will run through southern KP and FATA.
Speaking after the inauguaration, General Sharif said that the development of FATA is a “priority task” being undertaken by the army.
Addressing tribal elders, the COAS appreciated their support in combating terrorism and acknowledged their sacrifices in the war against terrorism. He reiterated the Army’s resolve to bring peace and stability to the affected areas.
Referring to Operation Zarb-e-Azb in North Waziristan Agency (NWA), the army chief said that the operation was progressing successfully and per the plan.
While focusing on early completion of the operation, the army would continue to rehabilitate locals besdies undertaking reconstruction activities, said the army chief, adding that a comprehensive plan in this regard had been chalked out in consultation with the government.
Earlier, on his arrival in SWA, the COAS was received by Corps Commander Lieutenant General Hidayatur Rehman and tribal elders.
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