Sacrifices by FC will not go to waste: Army Chief

RAWALPINDI: Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Raheel Sharif on Friday said that sacrifices rendered by the Frontier Constabulary (FC) in efforts against terrorism will not go to waste and that the military was fully capable of countering any threat, internal or external posed to the country. According to a statement released by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) on Friday, the COAS visited the FC Headquarters in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) on Friday and interacted with the troops. Appreciating their spirit and high morale, the COAS said that the entire nation acknowledged the sacrifices rendered by them as part of national effort to eliminate the scourge of terrorism from Pakistan, and assured them that these sacrifices will not go waste. “Let there be no doubt that Pakistan 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,” the COAS emphasised. Recounting security forces’ successes in various operations against terrorists, he lauded the efforts and determination of all troops and LEAs who cleared affected areas, with the help of local population and support of the entire nation. “We are fully prepared to confront any challenge in future as well,” the COAS reaffirmed. Earlier, on arrival at Peshawar, COAS was received by Lieutenant General Khalid Rabbani, Corps Commander Peshawar and Major General Ghayur Mahmood, Inspector General Frontier Corps K-P. General Raheel Sharif also visited Headquarters Army Strategic Force Command today. He was given detailed briefing by Lieutenant General Obaidullah, Commander Army Strategic Force Command, on operational and security matters. The COAS reiterated that Pakistan’s nuclear programme occupies a central place in the defence of the country. Later, while interacting with troops he appreciated their professionalism, highest training standards and morale.