{EOP}Army vows to defend tribesmen, their lives and property

Army chief General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani launched a major road project Thursday that will be a vital trade route between the tribal region and Afghanistan, the military said. General Kayani visited the tribal North Waziristan region to inaugurate the 80-kilometre road project, being undertaken by the army. The road is being constructed as part of Quick Impact Projects. The road from Bannu to Ghulam Khan on the Afghan border will cost four billion rupees ($48 million), the military said in a statement, adding it was aimed at social development of the tribal areas. The project would be completed in 18 months, linking remote areas of North Waziristan to other parts of the country, it said. “The road will provide a central trade route between Pakistan and Afghanistan. This will open multiple opportunities for the people of North Waziristan”, it added.

North Waziristan: General Kayani is shaking hands with Tribal representatives during his visit to Ghulam Khan

The project will also provide employment opportunities to approximately 2,000 locals. Addressing tribal elders, General Kayani said he appreciated their “support and acknowledged their sacrifices in the war against terrorism.” He reiterated the army’s resolve to bring peace and stability to the affected areas and to protect the lives and property of the tribals, against all internal as well as external threats. General Kayani also visited Peshawar on Thursday. At Peshawar, COAS was briefed about the ongoing stability operations. He also met with Chief Minister Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Ameer Haider Hoti and discussed security situation in the province. The COAS also presided over the ceremony of handing over of consolidated account of Army’s efforts in the flood relief operations in the province. After a detailed briefing to the provincial leadership, the summary of Army’s contributions, so far, and reconstruction projects in progress was handed over to CM Khyber-Pakhtunkwa.

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