Daily Times

Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa Monday said that Pakistan is determined to root out extremism and terrorism once and for all.

“State is determined to root out extremism and terrorism for which youth has an important role to play,” he told the youth during his visit to the Inter-Services Public Relations Directorate (ISPR). “Nature and character of war has changed. Youth now is the prime target of our enemies in the hybrid war,” he said in his address to the students doing internship at the ISPR. He advised the youth to stay determined and defeat all such threats to take Pakistan forward to its rightful destination as part of the nation, according to a press statement issued by the military’s media wing.

The COAS said that Pakistan is blessed with most talented and vibrant youth and the future of the country belongs to them. “I have full confidence and optimism that Pakistani youth realizing their potential will lead Pakistan to new era of peace and progress,” he said.

Acknowledging the efforts of youth vis-à-vis historic merger of erstwhile FATA into Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), the COAS said that the mainstreaming of the region will facilitate bringing enduring peace, stability and socio-economic development for the long neglected and terrorism-rid area.

The COAS emphasised that education is country’s national priority and Pakistan Army is determined to provide wholehearted support towards this objective, especially in Balochistan. “Establishment of NUST campus in Balochistan and Khushhal Balochistan programme are testimony of our commitment in this regard,” he said.

The Annual Internship Programme 2018 was held at ISPR, attended by students of various educational institutions from across the country.

Published in Daily Times, August 7^th 2018.