RAWALPINDI: Members of Youth Jirga of erstwhile FATA met with General Qamar Javed Bajwa, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) at ISPR, on Monday. COAS congratulated brave tribes especially the tribal youth on successful and historic merger of FATA into Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) to their popular sentiments. COAS said that this mainstreaming shall facilitate bringing enduring peace, stability and socio-economic development of the long neglected and terrorism rid area. He commended motivation and passion of the youth in realisation of this merger. He said that state is determined to root out extremism and terrorism for which youth has a great role to play. Focus on your peaceful endeavours, participate in political and democratic activities . We have achieved peace at a very high cost of blood and national exchequer and we shall never let it lose. Jirga acknowledged and appreciated Pakistan Army’s efforts for bringing back peace, stability and socio economic development in the area. They also acknowledged COAS’s special interest towards mainstreaming of erstwhile FATA. COAS emphasised that be aware of inimical forces who wish to exploit fault lines and try to reverse our gains. They shall never succeed. COAS lauded youth for their determination and support to Pakistan Army in fight against terrorism. He valued their views regarding future of Pakistan. COAS said that achievements through sacrifices of brave tribals are being consolidated while we transit from relative stability to enduring peace. COAS also shared his engagement with Afghan leadership for enhanced cooperation and security measures along Pak-Afghan border. He advised the youth to continue playing their role towards peace and progress of Pakistan as they are the future leaders. Published in Daily Times, May 29th 2018.