Raheel Sharif attend WEF

Former army chief General (retd) Raheel Sharif said 2016 witnessed a significant decrease in terrorism and that "intelligence sharing is a very important component of strategy to combat terrorism."

Addressing a session at the World Economic Forum (WEF) titled 'Terrorism in the digital age', he said: "Terrorism is a global issue and the global community will have to get united if it wants to defeat terrorism."


Talking in reference to the achievements of Pakistan Army in fighting terrorism, he said the military cleared 8,000 square kilometres area after recapturing it from militant control. He apprised the gathering that tens of thousands of affected people were rehabilitated in the area.

Raheel Sharif went on to say that terrorism has become a "gangrene for the world". He added that terrorists attack in a well planned manner and intelligence sharing is a very important component of strategy to combat terrorism.

Pakistan bears tragedies such as the Army Public School (APS) because of terrorism, he added. "However, we can not take such negative measures against terrorists like they do."

Source: The Dawn

Keen to develop good ties with India:COAS

ISLAMABAD: Calling the Pakistan Army a great institution, General Qamar Javed Bajwa on Thursday vowed to uphold its ‘dignity and credibility’ through ‘selfless performance of our role and duties.’

General Qamar made these remarks during a visit to Jhelum and the Kharian Garrison, where he was given a detailed briefing on operational preparedness at the Headquarters Central Command, according to Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

The military’s media wing would not provide the context of Gen Qamar’s remarks but sources said he was responding to questions raised by army officers during the interactive session.

According to the sources, some of the officers drew Gen Qamar’s attention towards the recent statement by Punjab Law Minister Rana Sanaullah questioning the effectiveness of military courts to curb terrorism. The army chief reportedly was also asked about the status of investigation into the controversial ‘fabricated’ news story published by Dawn in October last year.

Responding to those questions, sources said Gen Qamar made it clear that the army would not compromise on its dignity and credibility.

Since Gen Qamar took over command of the army, there was a hope that the civil-military relationship would improve. But the government’s handling of some of the issues, including rumours about the appointment of former army chief Gen (retd) Raheel Sharif, may not auger well for a smooth working relationship with the military. These developments could be the possible reason behind Gen Qamar’s statement vowing not to compromise on the ‘dignity and credibility’ of the army.

Speaking to Kharian Garrison officers, the army chief appreciated them for their contributions in counter-terrorism operations as part of Operation Zarb-e-Azb. He paid rich tributes to the “shuhada (martyrs) and injured who have rendered sacrifices for our beloved country.”

Gen Qamar also visited the Para Ranges at Jhelum and witnessed concluding session of the Army Firing Competition. A total of 667 military and civilian shooters from across the country participated in the four-week long event. A special feature of the event was the participation of 86 war-wounded officers and soldiers in the competition, said the military’s media wing.

Appreciating their performance, the army chief said that with more focused preparation, our teams should excel to represent Pakistan in international events.

Source: The Express Tribune

COAS Chair Corp Commanders Conference at GHQ

RAWALPINDI: The Chief of Army Staff, General Qamar Javed Bajwa on Tuesday chaired Corps Commanders’ conference at GHQ, where the forum took comprehensive review of security environment and operational preparedness of the Army.

The top military brass expressed satisfaction on progress of Operation Zarb-e-Azb and its positive effects on Internal Security.

The Army Chief directed that Counter Terrorism operations to continue and already cleared areas be stabilized. He also directed to intensify efforts for return of TDPs.

The forum reiterated Pakistan Army’s resolve to be prepared to respond to all types of threat.

General Bajwa congratulated efforts of Strategic Organizations on successful test fire of Babur-3. Forum also appreciated performance of Military Courts during the prescribed duration which resulted into reduction of terrorism.

“Army will continue to render full support to all state institutions working for National Security,”

COAS concluded.

Source: The News

Moonis Elahi Optimistic New Army Chief Will Be As Good As Gen Raheel

As the countdown begins for a new army chief to take reins of the most powerful institution of Pakistan, COAS Gen Raheel Sharif on Monday began his last week in the office. It was a farewell round to all military formations, while speculations about who would succeed him is at nerve breaking point. With the General to step down on Nov 29, it is now the task of the Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to pick the next top commander to lead the nation beside him. While it is no hidden truth that the establishment has never been in Nawaz’s good books, but as the incumbent PM of the nation he will be choosing a new COAS.

Moonis Elahi hailed Gen Raheel’s decision to step down on the announced date and that he did not seek an extension as is a normal practice in the country. It is a record fourth time that Nawaz Sharif will be picking a new top commander. Moonis Elahi said “Gen Raheel has performed his duties with exceptional vigilance and will be the first ever COAS in history of Pakistan who will be the national hero”. Unlike his predecessor Gen Kayani who is known to be nothing more than a puppet of Zardari, Raheel Sharif lived up to his family name and completed his tenure in the best way possible.

Additionally, PM Sharif will also be picking another top commander, a new chairman of the joint chiefs of staff committee as another position is falling vacant with the retirement of Gen Rashad Mehmood. A tweet from Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) chief Lt Gen Asim Bajwa laid rest to all speculations about the retiring COAS. It was hyped that the top brass commander would certainly go for an extension and he wouldn’t let go of the office easily. Moonis Elahi is of the view that a tweet from the ISPR chief had laid rest to all speculations and hypes and has now removed the vacuum which was used to misguide the nation by the puppets on enemy’s pay roll.

The announcement made from military’s official media channel paved the way for the government to announce a successor. Though the prime minister is the only person who knows for sure who the successor would be, it is widely speculated that Lt Gen Ishfaq Nadeem, who is currently serving as Multan corps commander, will be named the next army chief. according to PM’s aides, he has already made up his mind and will not deter from the choice he has made. Moonis Elahi is hopeful that whoever becomes the next top commander would work for the betterment of the nation and would prove to be a key player in a better future for Pakistan.

Moonis Elahi Says CPEC Completed Due to Gen Raheel Sharif's Efforts

Gawadar received its first Chinese convoy on 12 Nov 2016. Moonis Elahi congratulated the people of Balochistan as the army led CPEC will surely bring prosperity in the province that has long suffered ignorance. Opening an international trade route always benefits the people of the region economically and socially. 

India tried to sabotage the project through various antics but has failed in its evil plans.

Pakistan on the whole will reap its rewards and Gen Raheel Shareef will be remembered as the cwho has helped Pakistan establish an international trade route with its closest ally China. Moonis Elahi says even the incumbent government acknowledges it was not capable to have completed the project had the army not helped.