Daily Times

QUETTA: Pakistanis are peace and sports loving nation bound to rise despite all challenges, the military’s media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Tuesday issued a statement quoting Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa as saying.

Speaking on the concluding session of the Pakistan Motor Rally 2017, Gen Qamar said: “The motor rally is vindication of Pakistan’s progress towards peace and stability. Every Pakistani from Khunjerab to Gwadar is committed to peace and progress of the country.”

According to ISPR, the rally which started on 21 October from Khunjerab finished in Gwadar on Tuesday night.

“Balochistan’s progress is Pakistan’s progress,” the chief of army staff (COAS) said.

While focusing on the multibillion-dollar China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, Gen Qamar said: “CPEC will be truly successful when it lifts Balochistan to its rightful place.”

The Pakistan Army will extend full support and assist the socio-economic development of Balochistan by the government, he added.

The COAS also appreciated spirit of organisers, participants and the supporters from across the country.

A large gathering of local population, civil and military officials were present on the occasion to witness the concluding event held under the auspices of the Pakistan Army.

Gen Qamar along with Balochistan Chief Minister Nawab Sanaullah Khan Zehri and former Balochistan chief minister Dr Abdul Malik witnessed final segment of the rally and distributed prizes among participants.

Earlier on his arrival, Gen Qamar was received by Southern Command Commander Lieutenant General Asim Saleem Bajwa.

Separately, Iranian Ambassador to Pakistan Mehdi Honardoost called on the COAS Tuesday at the General Headquarters (GHQ).

The focus of the discussion remained on regional security, Pak-Iran border management, visits and exchanges in the defence realm, an ISPR statement said.

“The visiting dignitary acknowledged and appreciated the Pakistan Army’s contributions for peace and stability in the region and pledged to keep working for better relations between two brotherly countries,” the ISPR added

COAS General Qamar Javed Bajwa is expected to visit Tehran in coming days as part of Pakistan’s efforts to ensure a delicate balance in its ties with Saudi Arabia and Iran.

Published in Daily Times, November 1^st 2017.