CPEC to help tackle Balochistan's security challenges: Gen Bajwa

Army chief reiterates commitment to province's development in address at Khuzdar Engineering University

Army chief General Qamar Bajwa has said that the China Pakistan Economic Corridor project (CPEC) will help tackle security challenges and counter efforts to derail peace in Balochistan.

"I'm confident that the current security challenges and external efforts to derail peace will end with the growing realisation of geo-economic advantages of a fully developed China Pakistan Economic Corridor project and infrastructure projects all over Balochistan," the COAS said while addressing a gathering at Khuzdar Engineering University on Thursday.



"My hope rests with the highly patriotic youth of the province, and have no doubt that their future lies in a prosperous Balochistan."

The commitment to peace and stability of the province to bring it at par with other developed parts of the country is unwavering, Gen Qamar added.

"I salute the determination and resilience of the people of Balochistan against the onslaught of terrorism by the enemies of peace and prosperity," the army chief said. "I will develop every part of Balochistan, come what may."



The COAS said 25,000 youths were receiving education at the Pakistan Army and Frontier Corps-run schools, colleges and cadet colleges in the province.

"We are also running a large number of hospitals and medical facilities in the far-flung areas [of Balochistan], which are providing quality healthcare."

Gen Qamar was appointed as the 16th army chief of Pakistan Army on November 26. He replaced Gen Raheel Sharif.