Army chief spends Eid with troops in LoC

RAWALPINDI: Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa has visited the Line of Control (LoC) and celebrated Eid-ul-Fitr with soldiers in the Puna sector after offering Eid prayers on Sunday.

According to a statement issued by the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR), COAS offered Eid prayers at the frontline and prayed for peace, progress and prosperity of Pakistan in these difficult times, particularly seeking God’s blessings for the nation to overcome the corona virus outbreak.

Speaking to the troops, the army chief appreciated their professionalism, operational preparedness befitting response to Indian ceasefire violations and their morale in the face of evolving challenges, the statement read.

He further said “Performing ones duty away from home even on such festive occasions is a soldier’s pride and we shall continue to do so with utmost commitment and unflinching resolve.”

Gen Bajwa said the Pakistan Army was observing Eid solemnly in solidarity with Kashmiris living under Indian occupation, particularly since August 5th’s illegal, inhuman lockdown and ensuing atrocities.

“Kashmir is a disputed territory and any attempt to challenge the disputed status including any political or military thought related to aggression will be responded with full national resolve and military might. Disturbing the stability matrix in South Asia can lead to dire consequences,” he added.

He said “India is trying to divert the international attention away from worsening humanitarian crisis and violence in Indian occupied Kashmir to LoC by targeting innocent civilians across the line”.

COAS Bajwa reiterated Pakistan Army is fully alive to the threat spectrum and will remain ever ready to perform its part in line with national aspirations.

He said the situation in occupied Kashmir was not hidden from anyone in the world. It was expected that India would lessen its aggressive stance in the Muslim-majority region however, unfortunately that did not happen.

The Army chief emphasized the international community to take note of New Delhi’s inhuman treatment of Muslims in Kashmir and India.