Won’t allow anyone to exploit religion: COAS

War against terrorism and militancy is not over yet, says General Bajwa

MULTAN:  

Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa on Friday said some elements were wittingly or unwittingly trying to pull the country back into confrontation.

“[The] state shall not let them do it whether on the name of religion, ethnicity or any other pretext,” the army chief said during a visit to the Multan Garrison where he also witnessed training demonstration on combat readiness by an Armour Formation of the strike corps.

The army chief said peace, stability and progress of the country was contingent upon rule of law by all.



“An army deters war through professional competence and readiness,” a press release issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations quoted the army chief as saying.

The COAS also interacted with the officers of Multan Garrison and shared his thoughts on the security situation of the country, challenges and the response.

“After kinetic operations, we are now into the phase of stability operations,” Gen Qamar said and added, “The war against terrorism and militancy is not over yet.”

“Besides kinetic efforts we have to take on measures to address the root causes while staying cognisant of inimical forces and foreign hostile agendas,” he added.



“Within the folds of national action plan we shall support national focus on socioeconomic development so that people of Pakistan reap dividends of improving security,” said the army chief.