RAWALPINDI, Jan 17: Chief of Army Staff Gen Ashfaq Parvez Kayani has urged all ranks of the army to strive hard to achieve professional excellence, which “is the hallmark of Pakistan Army.”

Addressing junior commissioned officers and non-commissioned officers in Kharian on Thursday, he said that the primary objective of the army was to protect national frontiers and “we cannot afford to lower our guard”.

He said the army was ready to meet full spectrum of challenges, adding that all ranks of the army must strive hard to attain the highest level of professional excellence.

Gen Kayani said that soldier “is the backbone of our army” and all measures would be taken to improve their living standards, particularly family accommodation.

Later, Gen Kayani visited the Corps Headquarters in Mangla where he was briefed in detail about operational preparedness, training and other matters relating to administration of the formation.—APP