Kashmir Hour a strong message to the world: COAS

Army chief visits Gujranwala Corps HQ, says deteriorating situation in IOK is threat to regional peace

Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa has lauded a great display of solidarity with the people of Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IOK), shown by the nation during the Kashmir Hour on Friday, calling it “a strong message to the world”.

He expressed these views while visiting the Gujranwala Corps headquarters, where he was briefed on operational preparedness of the troops, said a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

“Solidarity displayed by the nation with Kashmiri brethren during Kashmir Hour today is a strong message to the world. Deteriorating situation in IOJ&K is threat to regional peace,” General Qamar was quoted by the military media wing as saying.

COAS visited HQ Gujranwala Corps, briefed about operational preparedness.
“Solidarity displayed by the nation with Kashmiri brethren during Kashmir Hour today is a strong message to the world. Deteriorating situation in IOJ&K is threat to regional peace”, COAS. pic.twitter.com/fwjM03BHTW

— DG ISPR (@OfficialDGISPR) August 30, 2019

World reaction would have been much stronger if Kashmiris were not Muslims: PM Imran

Earlier in the day, cities across Pakistan came to a standstill as thousands rallied in mass demonstrations protesting New Delhi’s brutalities in IOK in the most ambitious public protests targeting India in years.

At noon, sirens rang out across the country followed by broadcasts of the national anthems of Pakistan and Kashmir, while traffic ground to a halt for several minutes in solidarity with the rallies.

The events were organised on Prime Minister Imran Khan’s call against New Delhi’s strong-arm tactics. The prime minister has also asked for weekly nationwide rallies until he leaves for New York next month to attend the United Nations General Assembly, where he vowed to raise the issue.

COAS visits Strike Corps formations, briefed on army's 'operational preparedness'

On Thursday, the army chief visited the formations of Strike Corps, where he was apprised on Pakistan Army’s state of operational preparedness.

“Strike Corps has critical and decisive role in war. Your state of preparedness, training standards and high morale are very encouraging which enhance the confidence,” Gen Qamar was quoted as saying.

These visits come amid tensions between the nuclear-armed neighbours after the Modi government revoked IOK’s special autonomy.

The occupied valley is currently in its fourth week of a wide-ranging communications blackout with severe restrictions on movement. Thousands have been arrested thus far.