QUETTA: Lt Gen Aamir Riaz assumed the charge of commander of Southern Command at an impressive ceremony held at the command headquarters on Saturday.

Outgoing commander Lt Gen Mohammad Naseer Khan Janjua handed over the charge to Gen Riaz by presenting to him the command stick and flag.

Maj Gen Riaz was recently promoted to the rank of lieutenant general and appointed commander of Southern Command Quetta in place of Gen Janjua who retired on Saturday.

Addressing the ceremony, the outgoing commander said that Pakistan was created in the name of Islam and nobody could harm it.

He said the slogan “long live Balochistan, long live Pakistan” would become more popular with the passage of time. “Balochistan is ours and will remain ours forever”.

Gen Janjua said that the army, the Frontier Corps, the Balochistan government and people belonging to different segments of society had demonstrated their love for him during his stay in the province.

He said, “I dedicate all my successes and achievements to the people and the government who fully supported me in my efforts and if there is any shortcoming in the endeavours then I hold myself responsible for it.”

He wished Gen Riaz success in his new assignment.

The ceremony was attended by Balochistan Governor Mohammad Khan Achakzai, Chief Minister Dr Abdul Malik Baloch, Acting Speaker of Balochistan Assembly Abdul Quddoos Bizenjo, Senior Provincial Minister Nawab Sanaullah Zehri, Home Minister Sarfaraz Bugti, Leader of Opposition Maulana Abdul Wasey, Chief Secretary Saifullah Chattah, Frontier Corps IG Maj Gen Sher Afgun, IG of Balochistan Mohammad Amlish, General Officer Commanding of Quetta Maj Gen Aftab Khan, academicians, politicians, ulema and tribal elders.

Also read: Four army officers including DG ISPR Asim Bajwa made three-star generals

Published in Dawn, October 5th, 2015

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