Senators visit N Waziristan, laud army's 'fight for future of Pakistan'

Senate Standing Committee on Defence lauded army’s fight against terrorism terming it a battle for the future of Pakistan.

The delegation, led by Chairman of the Senate Defence Committee Senator Mushahid Hussain Syed, visited the Corps headquarters Peshawar, Army Public School, North Waziristan and IDP camp in Bannu.

This was the first ever visit of any parliamentary committee to the war torn North Waziristan.

The chairman senate defence committee lauded army for “fighting the battle for the soul and future of Pakistan”.

Upon arrival at Peshawar, Corps Commander Lt Gen Hidayatur Rehman briefed the delegation about the ongoing Operation Zarb-e-Azb and Khyber 2. The delegation was informed that since 2007, 439 major military operations and 1808 minor military operations were carried out under the command of the Peshawar Corps.

The committee was also informed that over 900 million dollars have been spent on development and construction work in FATA under the supervision of army.

The delegation was also appraised about the arrangements being made for the early return of IDPs.

The delegation also laid a floral wreath at Yadgar-e-Shuhada and APS monument and offered “Fateha” for the martyrs of APS and LEAs.

During their visit to Miranshah, senators were shown the destroyed and captured militant’s hideouts, IED factories, tunnels suicide bombers training centres and arms and ammunition recovered from terrorists. Later on they also visited IDPs camp Bannu. Senators met IDPs and appreciated their sacrifices for the defence of the country.

Later on, Senators visited Miranshah and were showed the destroyed and captured militant’s hideouts, IED factories, tunnels suicide bombers training centres and arms and ammunition recovered from terrorists. Dignitaries also visited IDP camp in Bakka Khel and met with the IDPs. They appreciated the sacrifices rendered by the tribal brethren for the defence of motherland.

In charge of the rehabilitation and reconstruction operation Maj Gen Rao informed the delegation that around Rs90 billion would be needed for the final return and reconstruction of destroyed properties of the IDPs.

Members of the committee who accompanied Senator Syed, included Senator Chaudhry Shujat Hussain, Senator Raja Zafarul Haq, Senator Haji Adeel, Senator Farhatullah Babar, Senator Sehar Kamran and Senator Abdul Rauf. Dr Syed Parvaiz Abbas, Secretary of the Committee also accompanied the delegation.