Minorities equal citizens of Pakistan, state's job to protect them: COAS

Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa on Friday said that monitories in Pakistan are equal citizens and it is the job of the state to protect them, the military said in a statement.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the army chief expressed these remarks during a visit to Nagarparkar, Sindh's Tharparker district, where he spent the day with troops and was also briefed by the local commander on operational readiness of the formation.

While interacting with troops, the ISPR said, General Qamar appreciated their state of morale and motivation for fulfilment of the assigned mission.

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He also advised all troops to remain focused on their professional obligations and training for an effective response to counter any emerging challenge.

Later on, according to the statement, the COAS also met the local Hindu community. They acknowledged Pakistan's efforts in bringing about a secure environment for minorities in the country. They pledged that the community will contribute with full zeal towards the economic prosperity of the country.

Commander Karachi Corps and Director General Pakistan Rangers (Sindh) also accompanied the army chief during the visit, the ISPR further said.

On Wednesday, amidst a surge in terrorist attacks in the country, the COAS made it clear that desperate attempts by terrorists seeking their revival would not be allowed to succeed.

Also read: Forces repulse two terror attacks in Balochistan

Gen Qamar gave the statement while presiding over the 247th Corps Commanders’ conference held at the General Headquarters in Rawalpindi, as in just two weeks at least two dozen security personnel embraced martyrdom in multiple terrorist attacks.

“The participants were apprised on the measures being undertaken to counter hostile efforts to destabilise Pakistan,” ISPR said.

“The forum paid tribute to the martyrs who gave the ultimate sacrifice for the defence of the country while valiantly repulsing recent terrorist attacks in Balochistan and Inflicting heavy losses on them,” the statement added.

The army chief expressed satisfaction over the operational preparedness of the formations and safeguards in place to thwart designs of inimical forces.

“We have come a long way in our fight against terrorism. Armed forces, with the support of the nation, have conducted successful operations against terrorists of all hues and colours. Their desperate attempts for revival won’t be allowed to succeed,” General Qamar was quoted as saying by the ISPR.

“We will eliminate all remnants of terrorists, their abettors and accomplices whatever is the cost,” he added.

According to the official handout, the army chief directed all formations to concentrate on maintaining high standards of basic military training to ensure effective execution of operations in the conventional/sub-conventional domain.