RAWALPINDI, AUG 20 /DNA/ – General Qamar Javed Bajwa, Chief of Army Staff (COAS), visited Pakistan Military Academy (PMA) Kakul, today. COAS reviewed the Flag Presentation Parade as Chief Guest. COAS awarded Battalion Standard to 4th Pakistan Battalion which was raised on 10th of October 2016. Later, addressing the faculty and cadets, COAS lauded PMA’s role as the premier training institution of Pakistan Army and commended the faculty and staff for maintaining high standards of training and grooming the young leaders that form back bone of Pakistan Army. Dilating upon future challenges in the view of changing dynamics of warfare, COAS advised the cadets to wholeheartedly focus on training and remain abreast with the latest advancements in technology to prove equal to the task. COAS said Pakistan Army is proud of its young officers who continue to lead their men from the front with courage and devotion to defend the freedom of motherland.

KEY AREAS – COAS SPEECH AT PMA•   One of most important policy speeches by COAS covering challenges/ opportunities and Pakistan’s response •  COAS covered present status of Pakistan’s in comity of Nations, spoke on struggle and sacrifices with reference to month of independence             ( August) United front to confront challenges, Pak overcome challenges in all fields since independence, overcame recent challenges of terrorism. COVID & Locust. Armed forces as first responders to every challenge, spoke in detail about Afghanistan situation, Pakistan’s efforts, future course of action and role of spoilers. •   Spoke about future challenges and response •   PMA is one of finest institutions in world entrusted with training of future leadership •  The unconquerable resolve of junior leadership of army is what Pak enemies dread the most •  Today’s Pakistan is strong and progressing well despite living in turbulent times •  August is month of freedom and reminds us unprecedented struggle and sacrifices of our forefathers and oath to defend Pakistan’s sovereignty •  Our vibrant and industrious youth is our pride and asset. •  Quaid’s faith, unity and discipline are guiding principles for youth •  Till the time we are united no one can harm us.•  After independence we not only with stood socio- economic and other challenges, but also defeated terrorism and defended the motherland •  Our matchless national harmony discipline and imagination to respond to COVID-19 and locust despite lack of infrastructure and resources is tremendous •  Armed Forces have been first responders in case of war, terrorism, national emergency or disaster; acknowledged by the nation.•  Pakistan desires for peace and progress in the country and the region.•  Pakistan’s sincere efforts to promote and support a Afghan process manifest our vision for a peaceful, economically integrated and prosperous region •  We have unambiguously and repeatedly asked global community to play its part in an inclusive and unbiased Afghan process as well as economic sustenance of Afghanistan •  Pakistan has paid huge price for instability in Afghanistan •  Despite Pakistan’s own economic challenges Pak has hosted over 3 million Afghan refugees for more than 4 decades.•  Pakistan will continue to play its role for peace and stability in Afghanistan direly needed for entire region and in particular our Afghan brethrenWe expect that Taliban will fulfil promises  to global community of women and human rights and Afghan territory won’t be used against any other country •  COAS particularly recalled plight of Kashmiri people of IIOJK due to Indian state repression who are under worst military occupation in human history •  COAS said our hearts beat with Kashmiri people •  COAS said we will continue to stand with them always and ever •  Regional peace will remain elusive without a just and peaceful resolution of Kashmir issue.•  Referring to collective freedom struggle against imperialism by leaders, COAS said people of sub continent must not forget that the ultimate goal was to secure independent, harmonious and prosperous region where in all new created countries could live peacefully •  Unfortunately those goals today have become hostage to increasing polarisation and radicalisation in our neighbourhood•   Inimical forces are trying to weaken our society and state through hybrid war•  Pakistan Army is fully cognisant of these challenges and is prepared to tackle them•  We will ensure country’s defence by focusing on core competencies and technology•  Only strong Armed Forces can guarantee defence of the motherland