Daily Times

ISLAMABAD: Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa during a visit to Quetta vowed zero tolerance against terrorism and directed focused operations against terrorists of all kinds in coordination with Intelligence and other law enforcement agencies. Soon after his arrival at Quetta, COAS laid a floral wreath at Yadgar-e-Shuhada to acknowledge the sacrifices of all martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the country, notably during his predecessor’s operation against terror, Zarb-e-Azb.

Later, COAS visited headquarters Southern Command where he was briefed about the operational preparedness of the Command, overall security situation in Balochistan and ongoing stabilisation operations. The COAS commended the Army, Frontier Corps, Law Enforcement Agencies and Intelligence agencies for noticeable improvement in law and order situation in the province. He particularly lauded support and sacrifices of the people of Balochistan for restoration of peace in the province.

Appreciating the integrated approach adopted by Army and Civil Government for security and development, COAS said Army will render all necessary assistance to the Provincial government for restoration of peace in the province, capacity building of the LEAs and by providing security for all projects in remote areas.

The COAS commended FWO and NLC for developing road networks in the province, and stressed the need to further accelerate development projects to ensure greater connectivity for the masses. The COAS expressed the resolve to ensure fool proof security arrangements for the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Earlier, the COAS was received by Commander Southern Command, Lt Gen Aamer Riaz on his arrival at Quetta.

On the same day, United States Assistant Special Representative on Afghanistan and Pakistan, Laurel Miller called on General Zubair Mahmood Hayat, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee at Joint Staff Headquarters here. She was accompanied by David Hale, US Ambassador to Pakistan, said an ISPR press release. Matters pertaining to defence, security and strategic stability were discussed during the meeting. The meeting comes at a point of transition for both countries, with Pakistan’s popular Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Shareef having retired last week, while the United States is set to inaugurate divisive Republican Donald Trump into the White House next month.