Terrorism to be ended, borders to be secured: COAS

ABBOTTABAD: Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa said on Wednesday that elimination of terrorism and security of the country’s borders would be ensured.

He expressed these views while addressing the opening session of a special two-day Baloch Regiment Conference being held at the Baloch Regimental Centre here.According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), during the opening session, General Qamar Javed Bajwa was presented honour and ranks of Colonel-in-Chief of Baloch Regiment.

The COAS lauded the proud traditions and contributions of the Baloch Regiment, which is one of the most decorated regiments of the army due to its sterling performance over the years. He praised the sacrifices of the Shuhada and assured their families that the army would never forget those who gave their blood to defend and strengthen the nation.

The COAS emphasised that the Pakistan Army would continue its efforts to eliminate the menace of terrorism and to ensure that the borders remained secure. “This demands the highest standards of faith, professionalism and perseverance in the service of the nation,” he said.

The COAS also laid a floral wreath at the Yadgar-e-Shuhada to pay homage to the martyrs of Baloch Regiment for laying their lives for the defence of the motherland.Lieutenant General Nadeem Raza, Commander 10 Corps, and a large number of serving and retired officers of the Baloch Regiment, including former COAS Gen Mirza Aslam Beg, Gen Ashfaq Parvez Kayani and former CJCSC Gen Tariq Majid and Gen Rashad Mehmood were also present.

Meanwhile, Afghanistan’s Ambassador to Pakistan, Omar Zakhilwal, met the Chief of the Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa at the GHQ. Issues of mutual interests including security situation and border management were discussed in the meeting, an ISPR statement said.The COAS expressed his grief over the loss of innocent lives in recent terrorist attacks in Afghanistan.