LAHORE: The participation of armies of 14 countries in the six-day Physical Agility and Combat Efficiency System (PACES) event that began here on Tuesday aims at dispelling the impression that Pakistan is being fast isolated.

Another aim is to allow foreign armies to interact with Pakistani soldiers and have the first-hand knowledge of the country’s cities and people.

These impressions are the answers to the questions asked to know the significance of the first ever event being held to engage armies of 14 countries this time merely for sports and physical activities they are required to undergo to get combat ready.

The armies are from China, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Maldives, Malaysia, Qatar, Australia, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Russia, Turkey and the UK.

The event included the first ever cricket match between Australian and Lahore army teams on Wednesday. The Australian army is scheduled to play its second match against the PCB-II on Oct 21 and another with police the next day. The one with police is the benefit match for law-enforcement agencies personnel who have lost their lives in the line of duty, especially fighting terrorists. These matches are expected to once again attract the cricketing world to Pakistan.

According to the sidelines of the event, the teams are being shown the life and colour of Lahore. They will also visit various other cities in the country to get to know its peaceful people.

According to the ISPR, to generate public interest, the Pakistan Army will also organise a mini marathon on the last day of the event on Oct 23.

Published in Dawn October 20th, 2016