Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa Friday said the Pakistan Army was prepared to respond to any conventional threat on borders for defence of the motherland, according to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR). “I take pride in leading an army which by the grace of Allah Almighty has served the nation by successfully combating terrorism and is prepared to respond to any conventional threat on borders for defence of the motherland,” he said during a visit to formation of Sialkot Corps. He witnessed the final phase of the winter collective training exercise by an Infantry Division and appreciated the battle procedures and operational proficiency of the participants. “We cannot afford to ignore our preparations and readiness for conventional response despite our commitments in ongoing Operation Radd ul Fasaad,” the army chief said. “Our experience of sub conventional operations is an add-on towards our combat worthiness,” he said, adding that a professional army being well trained, equipped and practiced deters war. Published in Daily Times, December 1st 2018.