- Army chief says there should be no doubt about armed forces’ capability to counter any internal or external threat
- Acknowledges security personnel’s bravery and sacrifices in war against terrorism
- Says nuclear programme ‘central’ to Pakistan’s defence
A day after the government suspended peace talks with the Taliban over the killing of 23 troops, Army chief General Raheel Sharif on Friday said the armed forces were “battle hardened” and capable of countering any internal or external threat.
Gen Sharif made the remarks during a visit to the Frontier Corps headquarters in Peshawar. His visit came close on the heels of the execution of 23 Frontier Corps personnel by a Taliban faction.
“Let there be no doubt that our armed forces are battle hardened and fully capable to counter any internal or external threat posed to the integrity and sovereignty of our beloved country,” Gen Sharif was quoted as saying by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
Recounting the successes of security forces in operations against terrorists, he lauded the efforts and determination of troops and law enforcement personnel who had cleared militancy-hit areas with the help of the entire country.
“We are fully prepared to confront any challenge in future as well,” he said.
Appreciating the morale of the troops, Gen Sharif said the country had acknowledged the sacrifices rendered by them as part of a “national effort to eliminate the scourge of terrorism”. He assured the troops that these sacrifices will not go waste.
The army chief’s remarks came a day after the air force carried out strikes on Taliban bases in North Waziristan and Khyber tribal regions, killing at least 40 militants.
The air strikes followed the government’s decision to suspend a fledgling peace process with the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan over the killing of the Frontier Corps personnel.
NUCLEAR PROGRAMME:
General Sharif also said that the country’s nuclear programme was pivotal to its defence.
He made the statement during a visit to the headquarters of the Army Strategic Force Command.
The army chief was briefed on operational and security matters by the Commander Army Strategic Force Command, Lt Gen Obaidullah.