Daily Times

Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa Monday said a comprehensive national response was required to the hybrid conflict facing the country at present.

Addressing the participants of the National Security Workshop, who visited the General Headquarters in Rawalpindi, the army chief said Pakistan had been subjected to various threats, especially during the last two decades, adding that the Pakistani nation and its armed forces have bravely and successfully stood up to these challenges and are on a positive trajectory to defeat those effectively.

“We are now confronting hybrid conflict where focus is shifting to subversion on religious, sectarian, ethnic and social issues. This needs a comprehensive national response,” Gen Bajwa said. “We now have a greater responsibility to ensure that our people, especially the youth, stay aware and steadfast against propaganda onslaught being launched through a soft offensive,” he emphasised. “It’s our time to rise and progress and we must grasp the opportunity achieved after countless sacrifices,” he added.

After a briefing on security situation of Pakistan, challenges and response, the participants had an interactive session with the COAS.

The National Security Workshop is an annual event at the National Defence University which is attended by representatives from all segments of society.

Published in Daily Times, November 20^th 2018.