ISLAMABAD: Army Chief Gen Qamar Bajwa laid emphasis on a high degree of operational preparedness for stopping Indian hostility, while witnessing on Friday a rare brigade-level ‘Line of Control environment’ drills.

An Inter-Services Public Relations statement said that during a visit to an exercise area near Jhelum, the COAS “witnessed exercise of a brigade in Line of Control (LoC) environment”. The exercise, which included a wide range of weapon systems including tanks, anti-tank systems, multiple calibre artillery guns and PAF fighter jets, simulated the LoC environment to enable the troops train in what ISPR said “a realistic environment”.

Military had always prepared well for deterring Indian aggression and war games were a norm, but now they were taking it a few notches higher, a former top defence official said while talking to Dawn. They look to be conveying some serious message to the adversary here, another analyst, who recently retired from the Army said.

This is linked to the situation on LoC where India has over the past few years persistently committed ceasefire violations often targeting civilians. Last year, India breached ceasefire for more than 3,000 times resulting in martyrdom of 58 people. Besides, destabilising LoC violations, which can potentially lead to dangerous escalation, Indian leaders had often given provocative statements that vitiated the environment.

Gen Bajwa told his troops that “Pakistan Army was fully invested in peace and stability of the region. However, we are ready and resolute to defending the motherland against any misadventure”.

The army chief urged troops to focus on training and professional pursuits as strenuous training and highest standard of preparedness were the hallmark to deter any belligerence, the ISPR said.

It should be recalled that Foreign Office Spokesman Dr Muhammad Faisal had, a day earlier, said: “Ceasefire violations are intensifying. The Pakistani forces are responding to these violations effectively. If India responds with a message of peace, we will reciprocate. However, if it resorts to gunfire, Pakistan will respond to it in kind”.

Published in Dawn, January 26th, 2019