ISLAMABAD: Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa has said that the youth of Balochistan should not be misled by anti-state propaganda being spread by certain elements from abroad with the support of hostile foreign agencies.

While interacting with a group of 173 students and faculty members from various educational institutions of Balochistan at the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) directorate on Thursday, he said Pakistan was incomplete without Balochistan.

“Pakistan cannot progress without peace, stability and progress of Balochistan,” he said.

The COAS termed the youth as the country’s most precious asset and urged them to contribute to national integration and progress by performing their positive role. He advised them to focus on their education, work hard and dispel negativity.

The army chief said Balochistan was blessed with most talented and vibrant youth, and the future of Pakistan belonged to them.

He said education should be national priority and this national objective should receive support from all. The establishment of NUST campus in Quetta is a step towards this end.

The COAS assured the students that the army was committed to providing them a safe, secure and stable Pakistan. The army with unflinching support of the nation was capable of meeting all internal and external challenges and no one could dare cast an evil eye on the country, he added.

Gen Bajwa said the army had achieved great successes in the fight against terrorism.

He mentioned development projects which the Pakistan Army had initiated with the support of the government for development in Balochistan, including communication infrastructure, schools and cadet colleges.

The students applauded the state of morale, commitment and professional competence of the Pakistan Army and expressed their gratitude. They assured the army chief of their commitment towards a peaceful and prosperous Pakistan.

Published in Dawn, September 29th, 2017