RAWALPINDI, April 13: Vice Chief of Army Staff Gen Mohammad Yusaf Khan on Tuesday visited Kharian Cantonment and witnessed various training events, an ISPR press release said.

The vice chief of army staff witnessed conversion training of the Al-Zarrar tank which has been recently handed over to the army.

The Al-Zarrar tank with excellent power to weight ratio, enhanced fire-power, high mobility, all-weather day and night fighting capability, excellent protection and 125mm smooth bore gun is compatible with any modern tank of the world.

The VCOAS emphasised need for setting high standards during conversion training in operation and maintenance so that these become the benchmarks for the future. Later, Gen Yusaf also visited the 'command echelons' of Kharian Garrisons.

Speaking on the occasion, vice chief of army staff dilated upon the steps taken towards restructuring the army, improving its teeth to fail ratio aimed at making it a lean and a more efficient fighting outfit in both conventional and unconventional fields.

He also spoke on the external and internal challenges being faced by Pakistan and the best way to face the changes. The vice chief also visited the basic leadership course for potential NCOs (non-commissioned officers).

The VCOS said the NCOs form backbone of leadership in the army. With better educated manpower being inducted into the army and keeping in mind the true demands on junior leadership in future environment, the army has developed a three-tiered structure for the future NCOs of the army, he added.

On his arrival at the Kharian Garrison, General Yusaf was received by the 1st Corps Commander General Javed Alam Khan who remained with him throughout the day.