ISLAMABAD
Chief of the Army Staff General Raheel Sharif called on Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif at the PM House in Islamabad on Wednesday.
The COAS and the PM discussed the present security situation and the government’s strategy against the Taliban. The two also discussed the national security policy that was presented before the national assembly earlier in the day.
Following the meeting, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar, ISI DG Lt General Zaheerul Islam and the DGMO Lt General Amir Riaz also joined the discussion.
According to sources in the government, similar discussions and briefings have been taking place between the military establishment and the government over the last few days.
During such briefings it has been shared, that in case a full blown operation is launched against the militants, the army can clear the area within 4 to 6 weeks, however after the operation is complete the army will have to remain in Waziristan – as it had post-operation in Swat.
Separately, the COAS, while visiting Kotri Ranges to witness Field Firing and Battle Inoculation Exercise of Karachi Corps Wednesday, said that army will accomplish its mission of defeating every threat to the motherland in accordance with people’s expectation.
These exercises are aimed at training troops in various tactical operations under battlefield environment. Fighter aircraft of Pakistan Air Force (PAF) and armoured fighting vehicles of Mechanized Division also participated in live firing maneuvers as part of the field firing.
The COAS commended the standard of training of the participating troops and lauded their skills, precision and accuracy in engaging the targets and said that strenuous training and highest standard of preparedness in peacetime are the only guarantors of peace.
Perpetual quest for modern techniques, seizing initiative from the enemy and mastery in battle procedures are essential for success in all kinds of military operations, whether conventional or unconventional.
Speaking on the occasion, the COAS emphasised on all ranks to continue to focus on training and combat preparedness to respond to full spectrum of threat with speed and effectiveness.
Earlier, on arrival at Kotri, the COAS was received by Lieutenant General Sajjad Ghani, corps commander Karachi.
