Pak-China exercise: ‘Joint experiences improve counter-terror skills’

Gen Qamar visits NCTC in Pabbi

RAWALPINDI: Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa visited the National Counter-terrorism Training Centre (NCTC) at Pabbi and witnessed the concluding sessions of a high-profile training event.

He also viewed the final day of the two-month-long Pakistan-China exercise ‘Warrior-4’, focusing on high impact counter-terrorism operations both in rural and urban areas, participated by personnel of special forces of both countries.

The COAS told the audience that shared experiences had improved the counter-terror combat skills of both Chinese and Pakistani troops.

Such exercises, he said, had integrated the armies of both countries, adding that this cohesion would help Pakistan and China root out terrorism from the region.

“NCTC has been recognised as a world-class facility, attracting other armies for training with our army,” the army chief said.

Appreciating the interest shown by other friendly countries for training with Pakistan Army, he said: “We will continue to offer our training services for defeating the menace of terrorism,” the COAS said.

Commending the training centre staff for having trained Rangers, Police and ASF personnel, the army chief said that all security agencies were engaged in fighting terrorism.

Later, the Chinese Military Commander thanked Pakistan Army for maintaining the highest standard of training and skills, and China would continue to benefit from this experience.

He said that successful drills would consolidate Pakistan’s long-term trusted strategic friendship with China, the Chinese commander said.

He also witnessed the first-ever Long Range Sniper Shooting Competition called ‘The Striker’s Cup’ in which 100 top civilian and military shooters from across the country participated.  The COAS has also directed the authorities concerned to expand the scope and participation of snipers.

Earlier, the COAS was received by Commander of Corps I, Lieutenant-General Umar Farooq Durrani.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 9^th, 2016.