- Gen Bajwa briefed on integrated security mechanism
Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa on Saturday said that the Pakistan Army is fully aware of hostile agenda against the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and vowed that the security forces are fully prepared to defeat their designs.
The army chief expressed these views during his visit to the headquarters of the Special Security Division (SSD) – which is responsible for the security of Chinese nationals working on CPEC and other projects in Pakistan. Upon arrival, the army chief was given a detailed briefing on integrated security mechanism led by the division.
General Bajwa reiterated army’s commitment to ensuring security for the mega Chinese project and the workforce involved. He emphasised upon the value Pakistan attached to the Chinese help and assistance extended in making the CPEC projects a success. He appreciated the SSD for their state of preparedness and arrangements for execution of the assigned mission and tasks.
Upon arrival, the military chief was received by General Officer Commander Major General Abid Rafique. Chief of General Staff Lieutenant General Bilal Akbar was also present at the occasion.
TRIBUTES PAID TO MARTYR: Rawalpindi Corps Commander Lt Gen Nadeem Raza and Bahawalpur Corps Commander Lt Gen Sher Afgun laid wreath and offered prayers at the grave of Lieutenant Khawar Shahab (martyred) at Khuiratta, the Inter Services Public Relations said in a statement.
Lt Khawar and Naik Shehzad were martyred in an exchange of fire with terrorists, when security forces conducted an intelligence-based operation in FR Bannu on March 2. The gunfight also left four militants dead. After offering prayers on martyr’s grave, the two corps commanders visited the bereaved family and paid rich tributes to the martyred for his supreme sacrifice.
Lt Gen Raza recalled the courage and bravery of the officer and the distinction he achieved by winning a gold medal in boxing during his cadetship at the Pakistan Military Academy. On the occasion, the family members of the martyred officer expressed their unflinching resolve to contribute even more for peace, and to maintain its integrity and sovereignty.