COAS says people of Balochistan rejected foreign-sponsored terrorists

QUETTA: Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Raheel Sharif on Tuesday arrived in Quetta on his farewell visit, Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement.

The COAS in his address to the troops said that the people of Balochistan have clearly rejected foreign-sponsored terrorists and helped the state in busting their network. A large number of fugitives have been surrendering, he pointed out.

“The tide in Balochistan has turned against terrorists and their sympathisers,” Gen Raheel Sharif said.

He termed providing security and assistance to government in institution building and development work in remote areas a priority. “We will continue to work with the provincial and federal governments for greater security and stability.”

According to the army chief, Gwadar port and China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) will usher in a new era of hope and prosperity for the area, with the common man reaping its fruit.

He commended the troops for managing the construction of over 1,000 KM-long road network in the “rugged and hostile terrain”, which helped in the operationalisation of CPEC in the specified timeframe.

The COAS in his address acknowledged the Southern Command’s role in promoting mass induction into the FC and Army, rehabilitation work during the Awaran earthquake and training of 6,000 policemen and levies forces.

“Management of long and treacherous border with Afghanistan and Iran has helped improve the overall security situation in the province,” he added.

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