Pak army chief lauds 'Zarb-i-Azb' an example of war for peace

Pakistan army chief General Raheel Sharif has called operation 'Zarb-i-Azb' an example of war for peace, saying the successful military operation has brought stability and prosperity to the country as well as to the region.

"Today, our brave men can tell the world with pride that by eliminating terrorist networks from the far reaches of Pak-Afghan border, an environment of peace and prosperity is flourishing. Having overcome the heartless enemy, we are set to march forward on the road to progress," he said yesterday while speaking at the concluding ceremony of the first international Physical Agility and Combat Efficiency System (PACES) Competition.

Sharif said the event was an opportunity to promote cooperation and brotherhood, reports the Dawn.

"Our success against terrorism owes immensely to the physical strength and mental robustness of our officers and men. This, coupled with sincerity of purpose and clear direction, contributed heavily tow­ards fortifying their will and morale during intense and demanding operations," he said.

Operation Zarb-i-Azb is a joint military offensive conducted by the Pakistan Armed Forces against various militant groups, including the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan, the East Turkestan Islamic Movement, Lashkar-e-Jhangvi, al-Qaeda, Jundallah and the Haqqani network.

However, Afghanistan has regularly criticised Pakistan for differentiating between 'good' terrorists and 'bad' terrorists and not taking a uniform action against all militant groups.