Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa Thursday ordered further efforts in line with decision of the government to accelerate implementation of the National Action Plan (NAP) while rendering full assistance to other state institutions. “COAS directed to further the efforts in line with decisions of the government to accelerate implementation of NAP while rendering full assistance to other state institutions,” a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations after 219th Corps Commanders’ Conference read. The meeting held at the General Headquarters was chaired by the chief of army staff (COAS). The forum discussed progress on implementation of the National Action Plan. “Pakistan is on the positive trajectory of peace, stability and progress. No one can make us budge through use or threat of use of force. Similarly, policy and the right of use of force shall remain the prerogative of the state alone,” the COAS said at the meeting. While appreciating morale and performance of the forces, support from the nation and above all blessings of Almighty Allah, the army chief directed for continued state of vigilance and alertness so as to stay prepared for effective response to any threat. The army chief’s comments on NAP’s implementation come a day after the federal government intensified an ongoing crackdown on Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), Jamaatud Dawah (JuD), Falah-i-Insaniat Foundation (FIF) and other banned outfits, arresting more than 120 activists and taking over nearly 200 seminaries besides hundreds of other facilities and assets associated with them across the country. The forum also reviewed the geo-strategic environment and situation in the wake of ongoing Pakistan-India standoff. It expressed strong will, resolve and determination to defend the motherland against any misadventure or aggression. The forum expressed concerns on increased Indian atrocities in Indian-held Kashmir following the Palwama incident and continued targeting of innocent civilians along the Line of Control by the Indian occupation forces. “Continuity of such brutalities is only fuelling the fire and need to be stopped in the interest of regional peace which also merits world’s attention,” the meeting stressed. Published in Daily Times, March 8th 2019.