QUETTA: Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Raheel Sharif said Tuesday that Pakistan Army was a symbol of national unity and induction of Baloch youth in its ranks from every corner of the province showed that it belonged to them as well.

“I am confident that the youth of Balochistan will not lag behind in defending their motherland,” General Raheel said addressing a passing out parade in Quetta.

The army chief said each and every Baloch citizen was the country's pride, adding that the army wished to promote education in the province.

General Raheel praised the provincial government for playing its role in the development of Balochistan.

“Maintaining law and order is the government's top priority and the army provides its full assistance to them,” he said.

The COAS also highlighted the development work carried out by the army in the province. He said the army had completed work on more than 700 kilometres of tracks and construction of another 500 kilometres of tracks was under way.

“The completion of these corridors will pave way for the development of the province,” the COAS said, adding that Pakistan's prosperity depended on Balochistan's progress.

General Raheel said the people of Balochistan have realised that their prosperity would never be compromised. “The day is not far when Balochistan will become a centre of peace,” he said.

Army capable of defending borders, says General Rashad

Pakistan's armed forces are capable of defending its frontiers, said Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) General Rashad Mahmood, said a report published on Radio Pakistan.

He was addressing the 102nd Midshipmen Commissioning and 11th SSC Course passing out parade in Karachi.

The country is facing a major challenge of terrorism, General Rashad said, adding that Pakistan has rendered numerous sacrifices in the war against terror.