ISLAMABAD: Taking complete political ownership of the Zarb-i-Azb operation on Tuesday, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said the decision had been taken after exhaustive deliberations.
"Full fledged offensive has now started and all foreign fighters and local terrorists will be wiped out without exception and no sanctuary will be spared by the Pakistan Armed Forces," the PM said in an official statement.
"The state will enforce its writ in the tribal areas," the PM said in a warning to terrorists.
"We have planned the development of tribal areas after completion of the operation,” Nawaz said.
Earlier last month, the Pakistan Army launched its long-awaited major operation 'Zarb-i-Azb' in the tribal region a week after an attack on the airport in Karachi, deploying troops, tanks and jets to the area in the crackdown on foreign and local militants.
PM, PAF chief discuss matters relating to air force
Air Chief Marshal Muhammad Tahir Rafique Butt called on Nawaz on Tuesday and the two discussed professional matters relating to the Pakistan Air Force (PAF).
The meeting was held at the Prime Minister House in the federal capital.
During the meeting, the premier lauded the role of the PAF and said the force was engaged in playing a vital role in preserving the country's defence. He also assured Butt that the government would meet the professional requirements of the PAF.
The air chief apprised the prime minister about PAF's modernisation and upgradation plans which he said were aimed at making it one of the best air forces in the world.
The air chief also informed the premier that steps were being taken for the welfare of the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) fleeing North Waziristan and said relief goods by PAF had also been distributed among them.
The air chief said PAF was providing complete air weaponry support to the Pakistan Army for the Zarb-i-Azb operation against foreign and local terrorists in the North Waziristan tribal region.