Kayani urges rapid uplift in Waziristan

Meets Mehsud elders at Tank camp



RAWALPINDI: Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani visited South Waziristan Agency to see the progress of rehabilitation process and implementation of Quick Impact Projects.




These projects are being undertaken by the Pakistan Army in consultation with local tribes and in coordination with the civil administration for social uplift of the affected areas. The COAS performed ground-breaking ceremonies of two main roads of the area - Tank-Jandola-Sararogha-Makeen and Tank-Khajuri-Tanai-Wana.




He emphasised the need for rapid development of the area to consolidate gains made through military operations. He also reiterated the resolve that the Army will not abandon the tribal people and will continue to play its role in the rehabilitation of the displaced people and development of the area.




Earlier on his arrival in the area, the COAS was received by Corps Commander Lieutenant General Muhammad Masood Aslam. Online adds: During his visit, the COAS met Army officers and Jawans participating in the operation Rah-e-Nijat and praised their morale and professionalism. He also expressed satisfaction over the outcome of the operation.




Kayani said the officers and Jawans of the Pakistan Army made the operation successful by sacrificing their lives, adding the Army has complete support of the nation and the operation will be completed soon.




Our correspondent adds from Tank: Life remained crippled in Tank after curfew was imposed by local authorities to ensure peaceful holding of Mehsud tribal Jirga at forces' Maanzai camp on Monday. Circles close to security forces said the event was kept secret because of participation by Army Chief General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani and other senior military and civil officials.




Sources said that Army chief in his address to Mehsud elders assured that concrete steps were being taken for the rehabilitation and development of the militancy-plagued area. An elder who participated in the Jirga said the Army chief announced Rs500 million for the construction of Kundi Wam Dam in South Waziristan and Tank-Makin Road via Servikai subdivision.




However, the Army chief described peace as an essential factor for the sustainable development in the area and urged tribal elders to help authorities in ensuring writ of the government as well as purge the area of extremist elements. He called upon the elders to play their role. Earlier, Malik Masood Khan, an elder of Mahsud tribe, in his speech assured cooperation to government on behalf of local tribesmen in maintaining peace and tranquillity in the region.