[air marshal]

Nation fighting war against terrorism like a strong rock: COAS

PESHAWAR, Nov 25 (APP): Chief of Army Staff (COAS), General Ashfaq Pervez Kiyani has said that nation is fighting war against terrorism like a strong rock and every citizen has matchless spirit of making his contribution in efforts to curb the menace faced by the country.He expressed these views while addressing the convocation of seventh batch of Khyber Institute of Technical Education (KITE) here on Wednesday.Corps Commander, Lt. Gen Muhammad Masood Aslam, high ranking officials, tribal elders and students of KITE were present on the occasion.

The COAS said Pakistan is facing numerous challenges like illiteracy, unemployment, poverty, commercial recession, but now presently the country is also faced with a big challenge of militancy and terrorism.

However, he went on to say, nation will succeed to overcome the menace of terrorism as the whole country is fighting this war like a strong wall.

Gen. Ashfaq Pervez Kiyani said the achievement of Pak Army is Swat and Waziristan reflects professional competence of the country’s force. He also highly appreciated the role played by Police force and para-military forces in fighting war against terrorism.

Army Chief also lauded the role of tribesmen who, he said, have always played very positive role for the integrity and solidarity of the country.

Gen Ashfaq Pervez Kiyani clarified that military operation in Waziristan is not against any tribe of the FATA, but is totally aimed at eliminating the anti-state elements who are playing with lives of innocent people for destabilizing Pakistan.

Referring to the performance of KITE, COAS said Army has always contributed in national development besides guarding the frontiers.

If there is earthquake, relief for IDPs or rehabilitation of militancy hit areas, Army has played its role and contributed in national development, he added.

He said the training being imparted to tribesmen through KITE would play an effective role in development of FATA.

Earlier, Chairman KITE, Brig Zulfiqar Ali apprised the participants of the function about performance of KITE. He said so far the institute has trained 913 students in different discipline including carpet weaving course, office automation, TV& CD repair course, auto electrician course etc.