Gen Raheel stresses need for readiness

'A high state of preparedness is needed at all times given the enormity of security challenges,' says army chief.

ISLAMABAD:

Army chief General Raheel Sharif on Friday stressed the need for preparedness to meet the country’s security challenges.

“A high state of preparedness is needed at all times given the enormity of security challenges,” he said during a visit to the Sonmiani Range near Karachi to witness air defence exercises.

“The highest standard of training and professionalism must remain our hallmark to accomplish the mission,” the army chief was quoted by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) as saying while interacting with the participating troops.

According to the ISPR, the full range of air defence weapons, include anti-aircraft guns and surface-to-air missiles, were used in the exercise. It stated that the army chief appreciated the professionalism of participating units and the standards achieved in engaging aerial targets.

On his arrival at the range, General Raheel was received by Lt Gen Muhammad Zahid Latif  Mirza, Commander Army Air Defence Command.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 12^th, 2014.