General Qamar Javed Bajwa, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) visited Quetta today on a day-long visit. COAS was given detailed security brief at HQ Southern Command, met families of victims of Machh incident and also interacted with a large gathering of Hazara community.

According to the Inter-Service Public Relations (ISPR), at HQ Southern Command, COAS was apprised about prevailing security challenges in the province and the measures taken, including border management along with Pak- Afghan and Pak-Iran Border. COAS also spent time with the bereaved families of Machh incident victims and shared their grief.

COAS assured them that perpetrators of this heinous incident shall be brought to justice and blood of the martyrs will not go waste.

Later, COAS addressed the garrison officers. COAS appreciated their preparedness and efforts for ensuring peace and stability in the province despite difficulties of terrain and distances involved.

Balochistan is in sharp focus of our enemies due to its strategic potential, COAS remarked. Balochistan is the future of Pakistan and the progress and prosperity of the province is the progress of the country, COAS reiterated.

The disruptive efforts by hostile forces won’t be allowed to succeed, COAS emphasised. Security, stability and prosperity of Balochistan shall be pursued/ ensured to the hilt, COAS concluded.

Earlier, on arrival at Quetta, COAS was received by Lieutenant General Sarfraz Ali, Commander Southern Command.