| Visits Corps Headquarters Peshawar | Says unified response needed to defeat terrorism decisively | Receives ‘detailed briefing’ on prevailing security situation | Attends funeral prayers of martyred Capt. Saad Bin Amir, Lance Naik Muhammad Irfan
PESHAWAR: Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa on Wednesday urged for a “whole of nation approach and unified response to counter extremism and defeat terrorism decisively” in the country.
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the army chief visited the Corps Headquarters in Peshawar today.
During the visit, the army chief was given a “detailed briefing” on the prevailing security situation and the progress of development works in the newly-merged districts.
Gen Bajwa appreciated the security forces for providing an enabling environment for the completion of socio-economic development projects in the newly-merged districts. He termed the projects “vital for enduring stability and sustainable progress of the area”.
“There is a need for a whole of the nation approach and unified response to counter extremism and defeat terrorism decisively,” said the COAS.
Earlier on arrival at the Corps Headquarters, the army chief was received by Commander Peshawar Corps Lieutenant General Faiz Hamid.
COAS attends funeral of martyred captain The ISPR said that after visiting the Corps headquarters, the army chief attended the funeral prayers of martyred Captain Saad Bin Amir and Lance Naik Muhammad Irfan who were martyred while fighting the terrorists in South Waziristan. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Shah Farman and provincial ministers were also present on the occasion.
“COAS reiterated the resolve of the Pakistan Army to fight against terrorism till the elimination of this menace. COAS vowed that sacrifices of martyrs will not go in vain and complete peace will return to Pakistan,” said the ISPR.
Two soldiers embrace martyrdom in crossfire with terrorists in South Waziristan: ISPR
Capt Saad and Lance Naik Muhammad Irfan were martyred on Tuesday during an exchange of fire between security forces and terrorists in Makin, South Waziristan.
A brief statement issued by the military’s media wing said that “an intense exchange of fire took place between the security forces and terrorists,” to which the Pakistani troops responded in a befitting manner.
Addresses passing out parade at PMA Kakul
Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa on Wednesday said that Pakistan’s desire for peace must not be misunderstood amid the country’s desire to maintain friendly ties with all countries, especially its neighbours.
The army chief made these remarks as he addressed the passing out parade at Pakistan Military Academy (PMA) Kakul, the military said.
“We live in challenging times in the wake of evolving global and regional environment. Let it be known that Pakistan is a peace-loving nation and wishes to maintain friendly ties with all countries, especially our neighbours,” the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) quoted Gen Qamar as saying.
“However, our desire for peace must be understood in the right direction,” the COAS maintained.
He also made it clear that there can be no peace without a just settlement of the Kashmir issue.
“We condemn the grave human rights violations in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir,” he said and urged the international community to play their role in ending human rights violations and atrocities in IIOJK.
“We also believe that peace and stability in Afghanistan is imperative not only for the progress of Pakistan but the entire region,” Gen Qamar said. “Sacrifices by Pakistanis and our efforts for peace in the region speak for themselves.”
He also made it clear that Islamabad would not like to indulge in an arms race; the armed forces of Pakistan would continue to enhance their capability to deter any aggression.
The COAS expressed pride that the armed forces of Pakistan are professionally competent and well-trained to cope with all internal and external challenges.
He noted the Pakistan Army had not only defeated the menace of terrorism and its manifestations but has also kept a five times larger army at bay.
“Our armed forces are a true reflection of Quaid’s Pakistan, with no distinction of caste, creed, gender, religion, status, geography or beliefs,” he added.
Gen Qamar also observed that PMA Kakul is indeed one of the best military academies in the world, where the nation’s most motivated youth volunteer to join the ranks and lead the best.
“Our brave warriors have always displayed great courage during testing times and upheld the nation’s trust. We are Alhamdulillah equipped and trained in line with the dictates of modern warfare and are ready to face any challenge. We are also cognisant of the challenges and opportunities of future technologies.” he said.
“I can say it with confidence that all three services are working jointly, more than any time in the history, to develop expertise and capabilities in unison and full synergy. I must appreciate the Pakistan Army for its role to create this environment of true jointness amongst the armed forces.”
Concluding, the COAS appreciated the Commandant PMA and his well-motivated and professionally competent team for their concerted efforts towards education, training and grooming of this energetic youth.
“I once again congratulate the graduating cadets and distinction holders on their accomplishments on this memorable day. At the same time, I congratulate the proud parents and the families of graduating cadets. Pakistan Army and Pakistan Armed Forces Zindabad!” –ISPR
