G-B visit: COAS stresses highest levels of readiness for ‘responding to emerging threats’

Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa visited Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B) on Tuesday and was briefed on latest situation and operational preparedness of Force Command Northern Areas (FCNA) troops deployed along the Line of Control (LoC).

Interacting with officers and men, the army chief appreciated their high morale, operational readiness under challenging environment and harsh weather conditions, a statement issued by the inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said.

He emphasised to ensure highest levels of readiness for effectively responding to emerging threats.

Later in Gilgit, General Qamar inaugurated state-of-the art Software Technology Park, an initiative of Special Communication Organisation (SCO).

“The facility will help create environment for research and innovation in the fields of IT and defence communication by honing and harnessing the skills of our brilliant youth,” the statement also said.

It will serve as a trigger for development of cyber industry in the area, it added.

According to the military’s media wing, the army chief acknowledged the efforts of SCO saying “establishment of IT clusters in remote areas will have a great effect by encouraging innovation and digitisation”.

Earlier, on arrival at Skardu, he was received by Commander Rawalpindi Corps Lieutenant General Azhar Abbas.