December 11, 2002	Wednesday	Shawwal 6, 1423

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QUETTA, Dec 10: The Vice-Chief of Army Staff, General Mohammad Yusaf, has said that the Indian policy of military coercion through the assembly and build up of Indian armed forces on Pakistan’s eastern borders have proved to be a failure.

He said this in his address to the student officers and directing staff of the Command and Staff College, Quetta, on Tuesday.

Referring to the de-escalation of Indian armed forces, he said that the combat readiness, resolve, and steadfastness of Pakistan had effectively deterred the enemy from any (adventurism) and the forces were now withdrawing without achieving any of their objectives.

However, he said, regardless of the Indian posture, the army must retain its deterrence of offensive capability.

Stressing the point, General Yusaf added: “In our case, we have to live with the reality of fighting outnumbered and outgunned, therefore, it was only the quality of our training and motivation that would make the vital difference in any future conflict.”

Emphasizing the importance of education and intellectual development, he said: “The diversity of threats and corresponding responses highlight the significance of military education, what the staff college has given you is a direction and the wherewithal to march forward,”

He said: “In reality, it has created a ‘soul’ and a ‘conscience’, which should beckon you to move forward confidently, and search beyond the textbooks. This unending process of education will lend depth and vision to your personality.”

Talking of the leadership, the vice-chief of the army staff said that character is the bedrock on which the whole edifice of leadership rests. “We are so fortunate to have a clear ethical basis to build upon our leadership structure and culture. For this we only have to focus on the Quran and Sunnah, which presents the most universal and durable concept of human life,” he said.

Earlier, he visited the Corps Headquarters and, Command and Staff College.

On his arrival he was received by Corps Commander Lt-Gen Abdul Quadir, and Commandant Command and Staff College, Maj-Gen Mohsin Kamal.

At the Corps Headquarters, Gen Yusaf was given a detailed briefing on professional matters.

Later, Gen Yusaf called on Governor Justice (retd) Amirul Mulk Mengal and discussed with him matters of common interest.

The corps commander was also presents on the occasion.

The Balochistan governor also hosted lunch in honour of the vice-chief of army staff.

It was also attended by Chief Minister, Jam Mir Mohmmad Yousaf, Speaker of the Balochistan Assembly, Jamal Shah Kakar and other senior officials.