On the directions of the government, the armed forces of Pakistan have launched a comprehensive operation against foreign and local terrorists who are hiding in sanctuaries in North Waziristan Agency. The operation has been named Zarb-e-Azb.

The decision to launch a full scale military offensive was taken on June 10 during the high-level civil and military huddle attended by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and army chief General Raheel Sharif. However, the formal launch of the operation was delayed till the holding of the presidential run-off vote in Afghanistan at Kabul’s request, the official said.