COAS visits counter terrorism centre in Pabbi

Witnesses Pak-China joint exercise Warrior-4,
long range sniper shooting competition

RAWALPINDI: Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa visited the National Counter Terrorism Training Centre (NCTC), Pabbi, and spent his day witnessing the concluding sessions of high-profile training events.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the army chief saw the final day of two-month- long Pak-China exercise Warrior-4, which was focused on high impact counter terrorism operations, both in rural and urban areas using heli-borne and special forces of both countries.

While speaking to officers and troops on the occasion, the COAS noted that sharing of best experiences through series of exercises had improved the counter terror combat skills of both Chinese and Pakistani troops.

He emphasised that such exercises have integrated the two armies and will help eliminate terrorism from the region.  “Our newly-built NCTC has been recognised as a world class facility and is attracting other armies for training with our army,” he said. General Bajwa appreciated the interest of friendly countries in training with the Pakistan Army. 

“We will continue to offer our training services for defeating the menace of terrorism and bringing peace,” he said. The COAS also commended the staff of the training centre for having trained Rangers, police, ASF and other services also in fighting terrorists. Later, the Chinese military commander paid his gratitude to the Pakistan Army for the highest standard of training and skills, an asset that China shall continue to benefit.  “Our successful training and closeness will help further consolidate long-term trusted strategic friendship of our two eternally friendly countries,” the Chinese commander said.

General Bajwa also witnessed the first-ever long range sniper shooting competition called The Striker’s Cup, in which 100 top civilian and military shooters from all over the country participated. The COAS awarded prizes to the best shooters.

Major Junaid was declared the best shooter and won the Striker’s Cup. The army chief directed to expand the scope and participation of firers to train the Pakistani youth to be able to win shooting competitions at international level. 

Earlier on arrival, the COAS was received by Commander 1 Corps, Lieutenant General Umar Farooq Durrani.