Operation Rah-e-Raast is in its last phase: ISPR

Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Qamar Zaman Kaira announced completion of Rah-e-Raast operation as now the area was almost in control of Pakistan Army. Possibility of some limited pockets of resistance cannot be ruled out, however army would remain in Swat and other areas to ensure complete security and peace, he said while addressing a joint press conference with Director General, Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR), Maj General Athar Abbas. Qamar Zaman Kaira appreciated Pakistan Army for conducting the operation in a professional manner and showing boldness and patience. We owe a gratitude to their will and determination, he said and added we need to salute the bravery and sacrifices rendered by the Army during the two-month long operation as 158 Amy personnel laid down their lives and 548 individuals were injured. He said the other major challenge is rehabilitation of Internally Dislocated Persons (IDPs), for which a roadmap is being prepared and return schedule of IDPs would be announced in a few days. The Minister said now the areas have been cleared of terrorists and the phased-wise return of IDPs would start within a few days. Giving further details, Qamar Zaman Kaira said 2,80,237 families were registered with NADRA, out of which 2,30,000 have opened an account to get cash grant of Rs. 25,000 and other facilities and added more than 1,00,000 families have so far received cash grant for which around 1.5 billion have been spent. The Minister said in the phased- wise return, the IDPs would also be provided transport, one month ration and other facilities, so that they could manage to live in their areas in a decent manner. The provincial government with active support of SSG has ensured restoration of maximum essential services like electricity, gas, water, roads, fuel stations and banking system and civil administrative set up and local police services are now being restored. Answering a question, he said top leadership of Malakand based terrorists was being pursued relentlessly and terrorists command and control, logistics and training infrastructure have been destroyed and added substantial middle or low level leadership has been killed or apprehended. He said the operation Rah-e-Raast was launched against those who challenged the writ of the government and constitution of Pakistan and we would conduct more operations against the terrorists if required as we want stable, peaceful and prosperous Pakistan. He said the government would bear whatever the expenses would be on the operation as it was initiated only for the betterment of the country and its people. When asked about possibility of Indian involvement in Swat and Malakand areas, the Minister said there can be a possibility of recovering arms made of different countries from war zones, but we do not believe in blame game and if there any possibility we will talk with comprehensive evidence. He said around 700 terrorists have been arrested during the operation and they would be punished under law of the land.