CPEC outcome of army, nation’s sacrifices: COAS

Says army won’t disappoint the nation; visible success in war against militancy achieved; announces construction of cricket stadium in Khyber Agency, sports complex in NWA

PESHAWAR: The Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), General Raheel Sharif, on Wednesday said the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project is an outcome of sacrifices of the Pakistan Army and the people of Pakistan.

Speaking as the chief guest at the opening ceremony of the First Governor Fata Youth Festival at the Qayyum Sports Complex here, he said the whole nation had been fighting terrorism for a long time. “However, the law and order situation in the country has improved to a greater extent after the launching of Operation Zarb-e-Azb. Pakistan Army, with the support of the nation, has achieved visible success in the war against militancy and the security forces’ journey towards success is going on with full commitment,” he said. He added that the army will not disappoint the nation.

The army chief said the success in the war against terrorism was because of the sacrifices of the army, law enforcement agencies and tribal people as well as the nation.

General Raheel said holding of the sports festival was a proof of defeat of the enemies of peace. He lauded the event organisers and said it would bring forward the talent of Fata youth.

Efforts for the country’s integrity, solidarity and peace and stability were going on in the right direction and had borne encouraging results, the army chief maintained.

“The visible improvement in the law and order situation and execution of development projects, including CPEC, was the result of sacrifices rendered by the security forces, the public and especially tribesmen,” he stated.

The COAS said the youth had an important role to play as they were an asset of Pakistan. He said the Fata youth had the best talent in all fields of life and they should be provided with opportunities to play their role in the development of their areas and contribute to the progress and prosperity of the country. He said admission of Fata students in the Pakistan Army-run educational institutions, including cadet colleges, establishment of technical institutions in tribal areas and youth empowerment schemes, particularly Fata youth recruitment in the armed forces, were steps towards the uplift of the tribal youth.

Announcing the construction of a cricket stadium in Khyber Agency and a sports complex in North Waziristan Agency, the COAS said the Pakistan Army, in collaboration with Fata Secretariat, had been providing different sports facilities to tribal youth, who have shown their talent not only at national but international level as well.

He said the struggle for lasting peace would continue with full commitment and with the backing of the nation, especially of the young generation to whom the nation has attached great expectations.

Earlier, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Sardar Mehtab Ahmad Khan welcomed the guests and participants and said peace had been restored to a great extent due to the sacrifices of armed forces, law enforcement agencies and tribesmen who laid down their lives and left their homes for the just cause of the nation and country.

He said organising such a large festival was manifestation of an improvement in the law and order situation. He said the Youth Festival, the first of its kind, would provide an opportunity to the Fata youth to exhibit their talent and take part in healthy activities.

Corps Commander Peshawar Lt Gen Hidayatur Rahman, Fata parliamentarians and tribal elders attended the ceremony. MNA from Bajaur Agency Malik Bismillah Khan placed a turban on the army chief’s head. The governor also presented him a shield.

A march past by players, the traditional dance ‘Athanr’ and floats of the seven tribal agencies and six frontier regions were part of the show. A total of 1,785 players of 30 different games are taking part in the festival that would continue till December 30.

A food festival, art exhibition and a poetic session are part of the grand event at the Qayyum Sports Complex where security was tight at the inaugural session due to the presence of the army chief, governor and corps commander.