COAS lauds troops’ professional excellence during LoC visit

Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa on Saturday lauded the “professional excellence” of the troops stationed at the Line of Control (LOC), said the military’s media wing.

According to the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR), the army chief visited the front line troops stationed at the Padhar sector. He was briefed on the latest situation along the LoC and the operational readiness of the formation.

Later, the army chief also interacted with officers and army men and had iftar with them.

“While interacting with the troops, COAS appreciated them for their high state of morale and professional excellence in performance of sacred duty in defence of motherland,” said the ISPR.

Rawalpindi Corps Commander Lieutenant General Sahir Shamshad Mirza received the army chief on his arrival.

Separately, General Qamar Javed Bajwa and Microsoft co-founder and billionaire philanthropist Bill Gates discussed Pakistan’s commitment to polio eradication, and the Covid-19 situation in the country over the phone, the military’s media affairs wing said.

In a statement, the ISPR said Gates appreciated the army for supporting the country’s polio drive and ensuring proper reach and coverage. The army chief said that polio eradication was a national cause, adding that “credit goes to all involved in the process”.

Gates also appreciated Pakistan’s success in combatting the coronavirus pandemic despite resource constraints. For his part, Bajwa attributed it to a “true national response” executed through the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC).

The army chief appreciated Gates’ efforts towards polio eradication and the coronavirus response and assured the philanthropist of continued cooperation, according to the statement.