Armed forces to defend country at all costs: Gen Bajwa

RAWALPINDI: The Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), General Qamar Javed Bajwa, has said armed forces stand vigilant to defend Pakistan against all the threats and at all costs.He made these remarks while addressing the troops stationed near the Pak-Afghan international border in Kurram district with whom he also spent Eid, said an Inter-Services Public Relations media release. Interacting with the troops and sharing Eid greetings, the COAS appreciated their high morale and unflinching resolve to defend the motherland.General Bajwa expressed complete satisfaction over operational preparedness of the formation and effective measures in place for border security. He lauded the formation for expeditious fencing in the area of responsibility along the Pak-Afghan international border and reiterated Pakistan Army’s firm resolve to ensure security along the borders in the face of evolving challenges.He also praised the formation for rendering continuous assistance to the civil administration in execution of ongoing projects for socioeconomic uplift of the area, including development of communication infrastructure, schools, hospitals and other efforts for rehabilitation of the local population. Earlier on arrival, the COAS was received by Commander Peshawar Corps Lieutenant General Nauman Mahmood.Later, the COAS and his wife visited the family of Captain Basit Ali in his ancestral village near Haripur and prayed for the departed soul and offered Fateha. Interacting with the family of Shaheed, General Qamar Javed Bajwa said the entire nation was proud of the ultimate sacrifices rendered by its national heroes, said an ISPR news release. The COAS said, “Nothing is greater than laying down one’s life for defence of the country.” He also reiterated the firm resolve of the armed forces against the enemies of Pakistan.The army chief and his wife also visited the family of Shaheed Captain Affan Masood Khan and Shaheed Lieutenant Muhammad Ukasha Talal in Lahore and prayed for their departed souls and offered Fateha, said an ISPR news release. On the occasion, General Qamar Javed Bajwa said the nation owed its peace and stability to Shuhada who wrote history with their blood. Corps Commander Lahore Lieutenant General Muhammad Abdul Aziz was also present on the occasion.