Gen Qamar lauds Balochistan troops for successful LG polls

Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa has praised the security forces' formations of Balochistan for their efforts to establish peace and ensure successful local body elections in the province, the military said.

"The COAS lauded the commendable efforts of [the] formations deployed across the province for providing a secure environment for socio-economic activities including smooth conduct of local bodies elections in the province," the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on Thursday.

According to the military's media wing, Gen Qamar made the remarks while visiting the Corps Headquarters where he was given a detailed briefing on the security situation in the province.

Earlier, the ISPR added, the army chief visited Command and Staff College, Quetta. Addressing the course participants, Gen Qamar asked them to remain abreast with future battlefield challenges and the latest technological advancements, besides focusing on professional pursuits.

Upon arrival, the COAS was received by Corps Commander Lieutenant General Sarfraz Ali.

On Monday, experts said that the successful local bodies' elections in Balochistan proved that the people of the province stood with the state, as massive numbers turned up at the polling stations.

In the polls, held after a lapse of nearly 10 years – in 32 out of 34 districts – 17,000 people exercised their right to vote to endorse their preferred candidates.

Some 132 women candidates contested for the general seats, which is significant given the number of both the female candidates and the voters.

A large number of young people also took part in the electoral process and proved that the threats of the anti-state elements were futile.

In the Turbat division alone, the turnout remained 61 per cent, which was equivalent to that of any large city in the country. The voter turnout was estimated to be the highest in the province since the year 1988.