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Enemy's attempts will not succeed, says COAS
Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa's visit to Parachinar on Tuesday was postponed due to poor weather, according to a statement issued by Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
The army chief, who recently returned from an official visit to Turkey, was to spend the second day of Eid in Parachinar, the military's media wing said earlier, where at least 72 people died and 200 others were injured in twin blasts last Friday.
However, Gen Bajwa's visit was postponed as his helicopter was unable to reach the location "due to bad weather", the ISPR said, adding that the army chief would "go immediately" once weather conditions are favourable.
The COAS has, over a 48-hour period, held meetings with various religious leaders and clergymen in a bid to encourage sectarian harmony, sources privy to the development told DawnNews.
"We all are united as Muslim and Pakistanis. [The] enemy's attempts to target sectarianism shall not succeed," ISPR quoted the army chief as saying earlier today.
Members of the Shia community in Parachinar, capital of Kurram Agency ─ a mainly Shia area in the tribal belt ─ held protests against the attack claimed by the banned Lashkar-i-Jhangvi al-Alami.
They said that they would end the sit-in after Gen Bajwa and Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar came to negotiate with them.
In the meantime, "army authorities [are] in communication with Parachinar victim's families and local tribal leaders", ISPR said.
Gen Bajwa is also expected to visit Karachi and Quetta after Parachinar, the sources added.
In the days leading up to Eid, the country saw a spate of terror attacks that left at least 90 people dead.
On Friday, at least 14 people including 10 policemen were killed in a blast targeting police in Quetta that was claimed by both the militant Islamic State group and the Jamaatul Ahrar, and in Karachi four policemen were killed in a drive-by shooting as they opened their fast at a roadside restaurant the same day.
Comments (12) Closed
Finally good step in real right direction little late but even then right step they are Pakistani so share their griefs share their concerns at least we can give them moral support
Thanks Sir!! For sure all Pakistanis should fight this menace with iron fist....we must remove this tumor or terrorism and protect the lives of all Pakistanis.
Salute to COAS, General Qamar Zaman Bajwa for his patriotic duty! Concerned politicians should also visit Parachinar and meet with affected families in a tight security situation.
And when is Chaudary Nisar's visit planned for Parachinar? Btw from the footage of the protest videos on social media, weather seems fine.
Enemy's attempts will not succeed, says COAS. _That's what they always say after every new attack. That's the truth.
Education education education....it's proved that these so called muslims need educating on how un- islamic their actions are and that killing muslims is the worse kind of terrorism..they do not even respect the holy month of Ramadan...
Dear General, your step need appreciation no doubt, however the root cause must be addressed which in many cases, is either ignored or kept untold. like the intervention of other rival countries / players, who are provoking the violence and try to defame Pakistan internationally. by playing the game of sectarianism. Simply this is called double game like killing snake and with the stick intact. Simple ways / steps to solve the issue 01) The one which you already took. 02) Increase the intelligence net work. 03) Point out the people who may be involved and keep them under intelligence observation. 04) Introduced well trained people in police for intelligence services, besides current. 05) Respond in blink of an eye to any report, responsible. 06) Make all people accountable.
What are you talking, General. Haven't the enemy inflicted a deadly blow so far?
They are succeeding general, I dont know what you mean by stating they will not succeed. Whoever or whatever the enemy is, they are systematically targeting borders, infrastructure, society.
When are you going to use tanks, aircraft, guns...the tools of defense people of pakistan pay taxes to provide. When will we see media coverage on operations conducted by Pakistan army to secure borders or preemptively disrupt terror networks.
@Ali you are only 30 years late in voicing your sentiments.
Everytime a attack happens our COAS says the same thing ....... the people want to see results not rhetoric.
Thank you for your decision. I am sure our COAS will sort out the matter.