Large, remote areas cleansed of terrorists during operation, says Army chief

Gen Raheel Sharif said that troop physical readiness had contributed to success of military's recent operations

RAWALPINDI: While paying tribute to combat readiness and fitness of soldiers, the Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif said on Monday that it was this state of preparedness that had allowed the military to clear large, remote areas of terrorists in the most treacherous terrain in some of the most trying circumstances. 

Addressing officers and troops at the concluding ceremony of 4th Army Physical Agility and Combat Efficiency System (PACES) Championship in Kharian, Gen Sharif said that physical efficiency and combat worthiness was the basic tool to achieve their tasks.

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"Our performance in recent operations has been phenomenal and we have cleansed large remote areas of terrorists in the most treacherous terrain and in the most trying circumstances owing to fitness and professionalism of our officers and men," he said, adding that because of this the army had been recognised among the world's most accomplished militarys.

"We must continue to train hard in peace time to be able to take on multi-dimensional potential challenges so characteristic of any future conflict."

Army personnel take part in a drill during 4th PACES Championship in Kharian. PHOTO INP

Expressing satisfaction over the physical standards of troops taking part in the competition, the Army chief deemed these essential for future battlefield environment stressing on the new fitness regime.

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Rewarding the soldiers, Gen Sharif  gave away trophies to the winner and runner-up teams as well as medals for best individual performances. One hundred "Fittest of the Fit" and five "Super Fit" soldiers were also awarded certificates and insignias.

Naik Muhammad Mateen made his mark as he was declared the overall best player of the PACES Championship 2015, while Sepoy Haffiz Allah Dad, Naik Muhammad Mateen, Gunner Sikandar Hayat, Sepoy Naveed Ashraf and Naik Qasim Ali secured first positions in the respective Combat Efficiency Tests.

On his arrival, the COAS was received by Lieutenant General Mian Muhammad Hilal, Corps Commander 1 Corps.