Right of use of force rests with state: COAS

Corps commanders discuss geo-strategic situation, NAP implementation

ISLAMABAD: Chief of the Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa on Thursday said the country was making positive strides for peace.

"Pakistan is on the positive trajectory of peace, stability and progress,” the army chief was quoted as saying by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

He said this while chairing the 219th Corps Commanders' Conference at the General Headquarters.

“No one can make us budge through use or threat of use of force,” he added.

“Similarly, [t]he policy and the right of use of force, shall remain the prerogative of the state alone", the COAS emphasised.

The forum expressed strong will, resolve and determination to defend the motherland against any misadventure or aggression.

It reviewed the geo-strategic environment and situation due to the ongoing Pakistan-India standoff.

The forum expressed concerns on increased Indian atrocities in occupied Kashmir, post-Pulwama incident and continued, deliberate targeting of civilians along the Line of Control by Indian occupation forces.

“Continuity of such brutalities are only fuelling the fire and need to be stopped in the interests of regional peace which also merits world's attention,” the forum added.

The forum also discussed the progress made in the implementation of the National Action Plan 2014 (NAP).

The army chief, appreciating the morale and performance of the forces, support from the nation and above all blessings of Almighty Allah, directed for continued state of vigilance and alertness so as to be prepared for a response to any threat.

He also directed to further the efforts in line with the decisions of the government to accelerate implementation of NAP while rendering full assistance to other state institutions.

COAS Bajwa's comments on NAP's implementation come a day after the federal government intensified an ongoing crackdown on Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), Jamaatud Dawah (JuD), Falah-i-Insaniat Foundation (FIF) and other banned outfits, arresting more than 100 activists and taking over nearly 200 seminaries besides hundreds of other facilities and assets associated with them across the country.

The operation against the proscribed orga­nisations would continue till “achievement of objectives” under NAP, Minister of State for Interior Shehryar Afridi had declared in a tweet, adding that efforts were being made to accelerate progress on NAP.