Enduring peace in South Asia hinges on meaningful int’l support: COAS

A well-trained and professionally competent Army is guarantor for peace, says Gen Qamar

Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa has said that future of enduring peace and stability in South Asia hinges on ability to resolve long pending disputes within the region, the military’s media wing said.

“This can be complemented through meaningful international support and will to take on challenging regional issues,” he said while addressing officers and faculty during a visit to Command and Staff College in Quetta on Monday.

The army chief said this while highlighting the emerging internal and external security challenge, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

The statement comes two days after Islamabad approached the United Nations (UN) over Delhi’s blatant attempt to turn the Muslim-majority in Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IOJ&K) into a minority.

Pakistan seeks UN's help over controversial Occupied Kashmir domicile law

Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi has written letters to the UN Security Council president and the UN Secretary General, apprising them of the latest situation in the occupied valley particularly the recent changes brought by the Modi government in domicile laws that would pave the way for non-Kashmiris to acquire permanent residence there.

General Qamar, during today's address, said that a well-trained and professionally competent Army is guarantor for peace. “Pakistan Army with the backing of the nation is one such formidable force,” he maintained.

The COAS stressed the need for officers to remain focused on pursuit of professional excellence and keeping abreast with latest developments to overcome new challenges.

Pakistan condemns expulsion of diplomats by India

On Sunday, India ordered the expulsion of two Pakistani diplomats posted in New Delhi after declaring them as persona non grata, a move immediately condemned by Islamabad, calling it a clear violation of Vienna Convention on diplomatic relations.

The Indian move came as tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours are already high and the latest development will further deepen the crises.

Coronavirus fight

Dilating upon Covid-19 pandemic, Gen Qamar said that Pakistan Army along with other state institutions will do all to mitigate the challenges faced by people of Pakistan.

Only a cohesive national effort shall take Pakistan to progress and prosperity COAS, he stressed.

Earlier on arrival in Quetta, the COAS was received by Commander Southern Command Lieutenant General Muhammad Waseem Ashraf and Commandant Command & Staff College Quetta Lieutenant General Nadeem Ahmed Anjum.