ISLAMABAD - Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Raheel Sharif on Saturday, during his visit to PAF Base of Samungli and Khalid Aviation Base, Quetta, said the whole nation had rejected terrorism and wanted to get rid of all terrorists.
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the COAS vowed that only a collective approach of the nation and security forces would lead them to final elimination of menace of terrorism and ensure a durable peace in Balochistan and other parts of the country.
Speaking to the troops of Army, PAF, FC and police, he commended their professionalism and commitment and paid rich tributes to their valour in fully averting a terrorist bid to attack air and aviation bases. He appreciated the local populace for having cooperated with the security forces by encircling these terrorists.
The COAS also visited CMH Quetta and met the injured, inquired about their health and appreciated their courage, the ISPR added.
Later, the COAS along with Balochistan Chief Minister Dr Abdul Malik Baloch visited Southern Command Quetta Headquarters where Command Commander Lieutenant General Nasser Khan Janjua gave him a detailed briefing on the overall law and order situation in the province.
Dr Abdul Malik appreciated Pakistan Army’s efforts for stability and development of the province. He said the law and order situation in the province had substantially improved over the last one year.
Dr Abdul Malik also thanked the COAS on behalf of the people of Balochistan for helping them initiate development projects in the province, with special security arrangements by the army.
The COAS reiterated Pakistan Army would continue providing maximum assistance in enhancing the capacity of the law-enforcement agencies to ensure peace in the province as it has done by training police and providing them with weapons.
The army chief said Pakistan Army would also continue playing a constructive role in execution of development projects to bring relief to the people of Balochistan.