QUETTA: Reiterating the significance of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), Chief of the Army Staff Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa on Monday expressed the hope that with the completion of the project the region would enter a new era of development and that the army was working round-the-clock to achieve that objective.

The army chief, who attended various programmes in the day, used his visit to the capital of the restive province to touch on the issues it has been facing for years such as a low-level insurgency and lack of adequate facilities and development.

He was optimistic that the Baloch of tomorrow would not only play a leading role in Pakistan’s uplift but would also be among the regional leadership.

Addressing a passing-out ceremony of the army, police and Frontier Corps (FC) recruits from Balochistan, he said that improvement of law and order was the priority of the government and law enforcement agencies (LEAs) had full cooperation of other departments and agencies. He said that the army was a symbol of national integration and had representation from all provinces, approximately in accordance with their population.

China-Pakistan Economic Corridor project has changed dynamics

Gen Bajwa said youths from Balochistan did not lag behind anyone in safeguarding the motherland and “every citizen of Balochistan is our pride and dignity”.

Gen Bajwa said the armed forces, the FC, Rangers, police and other LEAs were a symbol of national solidarity and protection.

“Keeping in view all this, thousands of youths from the province of Balochistan have been inducted as officers and soldiers into the army, police and other departments,” he said.

He expressed the hope that Balochistan’s natural resources would open up new opportunities for its people and they would play a key role in the country’s development.

“The profession you have selected is not only a glorious one but it is a pledge. The regard to this pledge would enable you to face coming challenges easily, defend the country and make you successful in maintaining law and order in the province.

“Pakistan is our country, home and tribe and you are the guardians of its respect and integrity from today,” he told the recruits.

The army chief said the brave and courageous sons of Balochistan were committed to sacrificing their lives for the country, if needed.

He said that development of Balochis­tan was a priority and its people now had a firm belief that the destination of their prosperity had become a reality.

“The development of Balochistan is development of the country and that is why our enemies want to create hurdles in the bright future of the province. I am delighted that people of Balochistan are well aware of this reality and have rejected anti-state elements.”

Gen Bajwa said the day was not far when the patriotism and solidarity of Baloch people would eliminate the elements that preached hatred and terrorism and Balochistan would not only become a centre of peace but also an example of progress and prosperity.

The army chief said the doors were always open for those innocent people who had become victims of “enemies’ conspiracies”.

“Our enmity is only with those who are enemies of Pakistan,” the COAS said and recalled that he belonged to the Baloch Regiment.

Later, speaking to officers of the Southern Command, Gen Bajwa said the armed forces and the nation had sacrificed a lot to restore stability and peace across the country and the army had come up to the expectations of people.

He said that Operation Zarb-i-Azb had brought considerable improvement in the internal security environment. “Its consolidation and retention is a challenge, but we shall do it at all costs.”

He said the global geopolitical and geo-economic environment was evolving and “our region is in focus”.

The COAS said that CPEC had changed the dynamics and it was critical to economic progress and stability. The armed forces were fully capable and prepared to respond to the full spectrum of threats, he added.

Published in Dawn December 27th, 2016