RAWALPINDI: Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Ashfaq Pevez Kayani on Thursday inaugurated a 50-kilometer road linking Wana, the main town of South Waziristan Agency to Angor Adda.

Speaking on the occasion, he said the army would maintain its presence in the area as long as people were satisfied with the law and order situation.

The army chief also assured the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) from South Waziristan Agency of military support and appealed them to return to their areas.

He said that roads, electricity, education, health and other uplift schemes were completed in the area and the projects would fulfill the purpose only after the people of the area returned to their houses.

Gen Kayani noted that nobody would indulge in terrorism if the tribal region prospered.

The ambassador of United Arab Emirates (UAE) was also present during the inauguration of the project called Third Corridor, which the Pakistan Army chief announced to name after Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayad Al Nahayan.

He also thanked the people of South Waziristan for their support to the armed forces in bringing peace in the region.

Meanwhile, during his visit to Maidan area of Tirah Valley, the army chief lauded the army troop for their swift and successful completion of military operations and eviction of all terrorists including foreigners.

He specially appreciated their resolve, commitment and sacrifices during these operations, said an ISPR press release.