Chitral/Ghizer, (Online): Army Chief Gen Raheel Sharif has said that the operation Zarb-e-Azb has broken the back of terrorists and they were fleeing their santuaries.
While inaugurating the Shandur Polo Festival in Shandur — the highest playground in the world nestling between Gilgit-Baltistan’ Ghizer district and Chitral — on Sunday, he said that relentless efforts of the army has restored peace in the country and the polo festival was an open message for the terrorists that they have retreated and lost territories, once under their sinister occupation.
“The Shandur festival is not only a good omen for the growth of national and international tourism but also a clear message for the terrorists that the nation will continue to promote its culture and traditions without trepidation,” the beaming army chief said.
Gen Raheel said that the ongoing Zarb-e-Azb operation will continue for lasting peace and stability. “The success of this operation hinges on the nation’s support and the leading role of the youth,” he said.
The army chief also lauded the role of different institutions of the Pakistan Army and provincial and local governments helping the people of Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral for relief activities whenever natural disasters struck the region.
The festival, now a global spectacle attracts thousands of local, national and foreign tourists and the match is played between teams of Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral.
