RAWALPINDI, Feb 24: President Gen Pervez Musharraf has said professional training and operational preparedness of the army guarantees peace.

He stated this while addressing officers and Jawans of a battalion of the Sindh Regiment at a farewell ceremony on the occasion of their relinquishment of duties as Guard Battalion, a press release issued here on Tuesday by ISPR said.

The president paid tributes to the battalion for the services it rendered in the defence of the country. He particularly referred to the laurels achieved by them, including two Sitara-i-Jurat, four Tamgha-i-Jurat and other awards for gallantry.

The president appreciated the duties rendered by the unit as Guard Battalion, which had been praised by visiting heads of states, ambassadors and foreign dignitaries to whom the battalion had presented guard of honour.

He urged the officers and men to continue their good work and maintain high standards in their next assignment. Earlier, in his welcome speech, the commanding officer, Lt-Col Rizwan Munirz Kiyani, brigade commander, senior serving and retired officers, junior commissioned officers and Jawans of the battalion were present on the occasion.