COAS urges unified response to counter rumours

Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa has stressed the need for a timely and unified response to effectively counter “speculations and rumours”, warning that misinformation and propaganda threaten the country’s integrity.

General Qamar visited the Lahore Garrison over the weekend, where he interacted with garrison officers and veterans in two separate sessions, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the media wing of the military, said in a statement on Sunday.

“Misinformation and propaganda threaten state integrity requiring timely and unified response to effectively counter speculations and rumours,” the ISPR quoted the chief of the army staff as saying during the interactive sessions.

Also read: No conspiracy, demarche given on interference: DG ISPR

“Army draws its strength from people and any effort to create wedge between army and population won’t be tolerated. The hostile forces are trying this for a long time but they won’t succeed, Insha Allah,” General Bajawa added.

According to the ISPR, the army chief also visited the Combined Military Hospital (CMH), Lahore, during the visit and enquired about the wellbeing of Major Haris, who was manhandled and injured in a road rage incident recently.

He said that law would take its course. “Perpetrators, who are under arrest, will be brought to justice. No one can be allowed to take law into their hands,” General Bajawa assured.

Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa inquires about the health of Major Harris at Combined Military Hospital (CMH), Lahore. PHOTO: ISPR

Earlier, the army chief was received by Corps Commander Lt-Gen Muhammad Abdul Aziz upon his arrival. The COAS appreciated the Lahore Corps for maintaining high standards of operational preparedness and training,” the ISPR said.