We still have a lot to do to defeat enemy: Gen Bajwa

RAWALPINDI: Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa says December 16 is a day that the nation must never forget.

“Our enemy hurt us on this day in Peshawar three years back. We have come out of this heart-wrenching incident through national resilience and faith. However, we still have a lot to do to ensure that we completely defeat them who perpetrated that crime against us,” he reiterated. According to the Inter Services Public Relations, Gen Bajwa visited the Army marksmanship Firing Ranges near Jhelum on Saturday. He was chief guest at the closing ceremony of 37th Pakistan Army Rifle Association (PARA) Central Meet the mega shooting competition. Gen Bajwa said while at the national level the path was outlined in the National Action Plan (NAP) at the Army level, it was the pursuit of professional excellence and commitment which had turned the tide. “In this regard, activities like firing competitions play a vital role. The best way to pay homage to our Shuhada is through our contribution to the national strength in pursuit of national objectives,” he said.

A total of 811 firers, including 142 civilians and 25 teams from three services — Pakistan Rangers Lahore, Garrison Shooting Gallery, Federal Rifle Association and Pakistan police from Punjab, Sindh and KP participated in 29 events during the four-week event.

The special feature of the event was participation by the officers and soldiers who had overcome various levels of combat disabilities.

The Pakistan Army team scored maximum points to become champion in the Inter Services Firing Competition.

The COAS awarded trophies and medals to the winners and runners-up in each category of shooting.

The biggest military shooting honour — The Master at Arms Trophy — was awarded to Hav Sadiq Badshah of Bahawalpur Corps.

The President’s Cup National Challenge Match Trophy was awarded to Sepoy Azeem Shah of army.

The Prime Minister Skills at Arms big bore National Challenge Match was won by the Pakistan Army.

The COAS trophy was won by the Pakistan Air Force. Chief of Air Staff Pistol Match was won by the Pakistan Navy.

The Best Shot Match Trophy Gp 2 was awarded to Nk Nazar Ali. Major General Ahsan Gulrez won two individual and three team medals during the competition.

While interacting with the participants, the COAS appreciated the shooters for their excellent standard of marksmanship.

He said shooting was one of the basic soldiering skills and mastery in this was a proud achievement.

Commanders of Rawalpindi, Mangla, Gujranwala, Lahore, Multan, Bahawalpur Corps, Inspector General Training and Evaluation Inspector General Arms and other senior military officers were also present.

Meanwhile, Director General ISPR Major General Asif Ghafoor posted a twitter message on 3rd anniversary of APS Peshawar terrorist attack.

The message said: “The great sacrifice of our innocent beloved children & their brave families remains unforgettable. It symbolises our undeterred resolve in love of our motherland. Your sacrifice has not gone in vain; we owe this improving peace to you.”