‘Pakistan’s armed forces are ever ready’

COAS visits LoC, & western frontier, warns India against any misadventure

In the very first week of taking over the command of the Pakistan Army on November 29, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir visited his troops facing the enemy on two most important fronts — the disputed Kashmir border and Tirah Valley in Khyber-Pakhtunkhawa.

Analysts described both the visits as carrying huge symbolic value and defining the priorities of the new COAS, who has assumed command of the Pakistan Army under extremely challenging circumstances.

On December 3, while visiting the frontline troops on the Line of Control’s (LOC) Rakhchikri sector in Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJK), General Munir warned India that any misadventure on its part would be met with full might of the Pakistani nation.

“We have noticed highly irresponsible statements from Indian officials on Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir recently,” ISPR quoted General Munir as saying.

“Let me make it categorically clear… Pakistan’s armed forces are ever ready, not only to defend every inch of our motherland but to take the fight back to the enemy if ever war is imposed on us.”

The COAS added that any misconception resulting in a misadventure will always be met with the full might of the armed forces, backed by a resilient nation. “The Indian state would never be able to achieve its nefarious design, and the world must ensure justice and deliver what is promised to the Kashmiri people as per the UN resolutions,” said the COAS.

Earlier, Lieutenant General Shahid Imtiaz, Corps Commander Rawalpindi, received the COAS when he arrived there.

General Munir also interacted with officers and soldiers and appreciated their high morale, professional competence, and combat readiness while performing their duties in challenging conditions.

On December 6, the COAS visited Tirah Valley, Khyber District – one of the theatres of the country’s war against terrorism. General Munir spent the day with forward troops deployed along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border. He was briefed by the field commander about operational preparedness and border control measures in place as part of the western border management regime.

While interacting with officers and soldiers, the COAS praised them for their high morale and operational readiness in the line of duty.

The COAS said that the state’s writ has been established due to innumerable sacrifices by tribal people and security forces. “Our fight against terrorism will continue with the support of the nation till we achieve the utmost peace and stability,” the COAS said.

He said that the motherland’s defence would be ensured at all costs and that there would be no room for peace spoilers. “No one will be allowed to disrupt the hard-earned gains of the war against terror made thus far.”

Later, the COAS visited Corps Headquarters in Peshawar and laid floral wreaths to pay homage to the martyrs. COAS was also briefed about operational, training, and other matters of the establishment, including efforts to create a secure environment for socio-economic development projects to uplift the newly merged districts.

Upon his arrival, COAS was greeted by Lieutenant General Hassan Azhar Hayat, Commander of Peshawar Corps.

On December 7, the COAS visited the mausoleum of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah to pay homage to the father of the nation. COAS laid a floral wreath and offered Fateha at the tomb.

Later, he visited Corps Headquarters, Karachi. The COAS was briefed on operational, security, and other matters of the formation, including assistance to the civil administration during the recent natural calamity in Sindh, particularly the interior of the province. The COAS appreciated the Army and Ranger troops for their services and for reaching out to the people of Sindh during the recent unprecedented floods in the country.

The COAS praised the concerned organisations and law enforcement agencies for maintaining a safe and secure environment in the province, particularly in Karachi.

Earlier, on his arrival in Karachi, the COAS was received by Lieutenant General Muhammad Saeed, Corps Commander Karachi.