Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa Monday said that the dividends of an improved internal security situation must reach to the people of the country in the shape of socioeconomic development.
“The dividends of improved internal security situation must reach to people of Pakistan through socioeconomic development,” a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) quoted army chief as saying during his address to the 218th Corps Commanders’ Conference held at the General Headquarters in Rawalpindi.
“While safeguarding the borders and carrying on the ongoing stability operations through Radd ul Fassad, concurrent focus is now on strategising and implementing comprehensive national response against machinations by hostile intelligence agencies and inimical forces to undo the national gains for peace and stability,” the army chief said.
The forum, presided over by General Qamar Javed Bajwa, reviewed geo-strategic environment and security situation of the country, the ISPR said. It expressed satisfaction on improved internal security situation and progress on regional peace initiative, especially the Afghan reconciliation process.
The forum also discussed situation along the Line of Control and the Working Boundary with reference to continued ceasefire violations and Indian atrocities against the innocent Kashmiris, the ISPR statement said. It reviewed the state of preparedness along the Line of Control/Working Boundary as well as the Eastern Border to thwart any misadventure from across. The meeting expressed solidarity with the resilient Kashmiri brethren on the eve of Kashmir Solidarity Day, the statement concluded.
Meanwhile, Afghanistan’s Ambassador to Pakistan Shukrullah Atif Mashal called on Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa at the GHQ on Monday. Matters of mutual interest and regional security, particularly Afghanistan peace process, came under discussion during the meeting, according to a statement issued by the ISPR. The visiting dignitary appreciated Pakistan’s efforts for ongoing Afghan peace and reconciliation efforts.
Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Mujahid Anwar Khan also called on General Qamar Javed Bajwa at the GHQ. Matters of professional interests were discussed during the meeting.
Meanwhile, security forces foiled a major terrorist attempt in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the ISPR said in a statement. An intelligence-based operation was launched against a terrorist hideout in Gulkuch, on the boundary of South Wazirstan and Balochistan. On seeing the security forces, suspected terrorists opened fire and fled to nearby mountainous area. Security forces chased the fleeing suspects and after fierce exchange of fire, all three suspected terrorists were killed.
SMGs, hand grenades, communication equipment and local currency was seized from their possession. Identity and linkages of the suspects are being ascertained, according to the ISPR.
Separately, passing out parade of 62nd Batch of FC troops was held at Loralai Cantt on Monday. Father of Shaheed FC Sepoy Umar was the chief guest. A smartly turned out contingent of FC troops presented guard of honour to the chief guest, an ISPR statement stated.
Chief guest Haji Abdul Ghaffar thanked Pakistan Army for supporting the families of the martyrs.
It is worth mentioning here that 86% of the passing out recruits belonged to Balochistan. During the course of their 22-week training, special emphasis was laid on firing, physical fitness and unarmed combat, the ISPR statement concluded.
Published in Daily Times, February 5th 2019.
