The Chief of Army Staff (CoAS), General Ashfaq Parvaiz Kayani, has linked the success of military operation in Swat and other parts of Malakand Division with minimum loss of life and property of common people, and accurate targeting of miscreants.
"Accuracy in military operation and least damage to life and property of the common people can help the armed forces to make the operation a success", the COAS said here on Wednesday. He directed the Army and paramilitary forces, busy in quelling the militancy, to ensure minimum collateral damage, "even at the expense of taking risks", by resorting to precision strikes.
Pakistan Army is acutely aware of the nature of the ongoing military operation in Swat and elsewhere, and their likely fallouts," he said. The issues of collateral damage and migration of people are natural outcome of any military operation in populated areas, he said, and added that in fact the overall success of operations in such areas was sum total of three efforts--conduct of military operations, minimising collateral damage, and correctly managing internally displaced persons (IDPs).
"The management of IDPs is as important as military operation in Swat", General Kayani said, adding that it has been decided to provide all-out support to the government and international agencies in the management and rehabilitation of IDPs.
The COAS has assigned special task to Corps Headquarters, headed by Lieutenant General Nadeem Ahmed, to form a Special Support Group for IDPs for co-ordinating and directing all efforts of Government, Army and other agencies for optimal utilisation of resources in providing relief to IDPs.
"Inshallah, together the Pakistani nation and Army, we will provide relief to the IDPs in a manner which will rekindle the memories of the 2005 Earthquake relief efforts", he said. He said that for the first time in its history, Pakistan Army has taken a decision to give part of its daily ration items of food--atta, sugar, ghee and pulses to IDPs. "This exemplifies the Army's spirit of sacrifice," he added.
The ration will be sufficient for 80,000 people. Furthermore, the Army is deploying its medical resources in all IDPs camps. These medical camps will have adequate medicines for 90 days. Local military hospitals will also go on surge to treat patients.
Meanwhile, Pakistan Army has sent eight aid trucks to Mardan for IDPs. The trucks left from Chaklala Garrison to Risalpur from where the aid will be dispatched to Mardan and Swabi where camps have been established for Swat, Dir and Buner affectees. The aid package comprised of 500 pedestal fans, 3000 water coolers, 1000 baskets, 1000 mugs, 1000 mosquito nets, 500 water pan, 1000 tents, juice, water and medicines.