"Zarb-e-Azb is Not Only an Operation But a Wholesome Concept", Gen Raheel Sharif

BY NewsDesk

Pakistan Army chief, Gen. Raheel has declared that operation Zarb-e-Azb is not only an operation but a wholesome concept. "Ladies and Gentlemen, Op Zarb-e-Azb is not only an operation but a wholesome concept. It ultimately aims at breaking the syndicate of terrorism, extremism and corruption.", he said. He was addressing to a seminar held at a hotel here in Gawadar.

Islamic Military Alliance: Options for Pakistan

By Shahzad Masood Roomi

Saudi Arabia has asked for Pakistani cooperation to establish a military alliance of Muslim countries on the footprints of NATO.

Pakistan has accepted the request and has shown its willingness to cooperate with the Kingdom but no details of this cooperation have come fore so far. 

According to media reports, the request was made to PM Nawaz Sharif and COAS Gen Raheel Sharif on their return to home after attending the concluding ceremony of "North Thunder" military exercises where military contingents from 20 Muslim countries participated. 

ANALYSIS: Gen Raheel and Saudi Led Islamic Military Alliance

By Shahzad Masood Roomi

Pakistan media is buzzed with the news that Gen. Raheel Shareef, COAS Pakistan Army, has been asked by the Saudi led 34 countries alliance to become its commander in-chief after his retirement which is due November later this year. Source of information according to Daily The News International is "US military and political sources."

Pakistan Army Will Pay Every Price To Make CPEC Reality: Gen Raheel

By Shahzad Masood Roomi
“We are aware of all the campaigns against CPEC and I vow that the security forces are ready to pay any price to turn this long cherished dream into reality,”

This was stated by Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif on Friday while he visited the HQ of newly raised Special Security Division (SSD) in Pakistan Army which has been given charge of security responsibilities of CPEC projects.

COAS was given a detailed briefing over raising of the force and the security threats faced by the CPEC project. Gen Raheel, after briefing, instructed SSD to take all possible measures to make all CPEC related projects secure including the security of work force involved in the projects.

What COAS Meant by 'Entering Into Most Difficult Phase of Operation'?

By Shahzad Masood Roomi

While speaking to the APEX committee KPK meeting in Peshawar, COAS has said that state is entering in the most difficult and dangerous phase of operation. He also said that return of Temporary Displaced People (TDPs) is top priority for Pakistan Army.

One may wonder what does "entering most difficult phase of operation" it actually mean.

The answer is simple. COAS has stated the obvious. Sanctuaries of terrorists in FATA have been practically eliminated and what now has been left of TTP is mainly consists of sleeper cells which work in coordination with group's top command hiding in Afghanistan. Tracking these sleeper cells in urban centers, eliminating the TTP's top brass is critical for the final success against TTP. 

Why Gen Raheel's Decision of Not Taking Extension Is Right One?

By Shahzad Masood Roomi

So, it is official now!

COAS Pakistan Army, Gen Raheel Sharif does not want extension in his service and will retire on due date according to DG ISPR Lt. Gen Asim Bajwa.

According to DG ISPR, COAS has made it clear that he believed in Pakistan army as strong institution.

Pakistan Army is a great institution. I don’t believe in extension and will retire on the due date. Efforts to root out terrorism will continue with full vigor and resolve.

Pakistan's Military Diplomacy in Action

Pakistan's military diplomacy came in action more vividly when COAS Pakistan Army Gen Raheel Sharif presented Pakistani case on terrorism and regional security in London.

According to ISPR, COAS General Raheel Sharif, IISS and House of Commons has an interaction regarding terrorism, security issues and other regional matters.  Speaking at the occasion, COAS  stated that the success of Op Zarb e Azb had discernible effect, to continue pursuing sleeper cells across country.

While speaking to the participants, he emphasized that "Our environment and context needs to be understood". He reiterated the resolve of eliminating terrorism. "Want to finish terrorists and their nurseries." Gen Raheel also express his desire that international community would help Pakistan. "I expect International community to play its part for regional peace too."

"While we are fighting various terrorist groups, no new entities can be allowed to emerge. Terrorism a global issue, warrants global response", COAS said hinting towards the transnational nature of modern terrorism which has wrecked havoc in Pakistan as well.

International terrorism runs a very well-connected financial networks to sustain their activities. On this international funding Gen. Raheel maintained that it is something where every country will have to play a role for long term success. "Funding of all terrorist organizations has to be checked by all for long term success. We are against use of proxies and won't allow it on our soil.", He said clearly hinting a departure from Pakistan's policy of 1990's for Afghanistan.

He also talked about CPEC project and said it will be a game changer  and would bring prosperity for the entire area. He also ensured the participants that Pakistan Army will do everything to make it success.

Any attempt to obstruct or impede CPEC will be thwarted: Gen Raheel

Pakistan: Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif on Friday said that Pakistan and China have a common enemy and we will defeat it jointly. 

He expressed his views at the grand reception hosted by Chinese military attaché Major General Qi Huajun on the 88th anniversary of the PLA here in Islamabad. The army chief, who was chief guest, said the people of China rendered great sacrifices for their country.

“Pak Army and PLA form edifice of our strategic relations. Together we can defeat the nefarious designs of the enemy. Eliminating the East Turkistan Independence Movement (ETIM) is its manifestation.,” he said adding, “Our friendship will further grow in these testing times.”

The army chief said that Pakistan and China enjoyed strong cordial relations, adding that “our friendship will grow stronger in these testing times. We will defeat nefarious designs of forces detrimental to us. The PLA is one of the best armies of the world."

Commenting on the strategically important, China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), the army chief said the project would benefit the entire region, adding that the corridor was being developed at full speed.

“I reiterate our resolve that any attempt to obstruct or impede this project will be thwarted at all costs,” he noted. The army chief said that the economic corridor project would maximize dividends of geo-strategic locations.

CPEC has emerged as one of the key strategic development project in the region and holds the key for Pakistan to transform its precarious-looking economic profile. For Pakistan to maintain a credible deterrence against arch rival India, an economic turn-around remains a strategic requirement. This is why Pakistani leadership is aggressively pursuing this project. Last year, Indian defense budget surpassed Pakistan's total annual spending. This is where CPEC is going to play a significant role in uplifting Pakistan's economy.