Army to counter every threat with nation's backing: Gen Raheel
27 February, 2014
RAWALPINDI: The Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), General Raheel Sharif, said on Wednesday that with the backing of the nation, the Pakistan Army will accomplish the mission of defeating every threat to the motherland in accordance with the expectations of the people of Pakistan.
The army chief said this during his visit to the Kotri Ranges to witness the Field Firing and Battle Inoculation Exercise of the Karachi Corps, the ISPR said.General Raheel emphasised on all ranks to continue to focus on training and combat preparedness to respond to the full spectrum of threat with speed and effectiveness.
These exercises are aimed at training troops in various tactical operations under the battlefield environment. Fighter aircraft of Pakistan Air Force (PAF) and armoured fighting vehicles of the Mechanized Division also participated in live firing manoeuvres as part of the field firing.
The army chief commended the standard of training of the participating troops and lauded their skills, precision and accuracy in engaging the targets. He said strenuous training and the highest standard of preparedness in peacetime are the only guarantors of peace.
He said 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.
Earlier, on arrival at Kotri, the COAS was received by Lieutenant General Sajjad Ghani, Corps Commander Karachi.Monitoring Report adds: General Raheel called on Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif at the PM House in Islamabad, Geo News reported.
The COAS and the PM discussed the security situation and government's strategy against the Taliban. The two also discussed the national security policy that was presented before the National Assembly.
Following the one-on-one meeting between the prime minister and army chief, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan, DG Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) Lt Gen Zaheerul Islam and DGMO Lt Gen 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 civilian 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 four to six weeks. However, after the completion of the operation, the army will have to stay permanently in North Waziristan as it did in Swat.
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