ISLAMABAD: Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif on Friday said that multidimensional security threats faced by the country require a high state of preparedness at all times.

General Sharif was visiting the Sonmiani Ranges and witnessed air defence firing exercises, an ISPR spokesman said in a statement issued from military headquarters in Rawalpindi.

Complete range of air defence weapons including guns and surface-to-air missiles were used in the exercise.

The army chief greatly appreciated the professionalism of participating units and standards achieved in engaging aerial targets.

“Highest standard of training and professionalism must remain our hallmark to accomplish the mission,” he said.

Earlier on arrival at the range, Gen Sharif was received by the commander of the Army Air Defence unit, Lieutenant-General Muhammad Zahid Latif Mirza, who also briefed him about the purpose of the exercises.

Gen Sharif’s visit follows an important meeting of the army’s top brass earlier this week which reviewed internal and external threats to Pakistan’s national security.

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At the monthly Corps Commanders conference, Gen Sharif commended soldiers for their work despite “serious security and administrative challenges”, according to an ISPR press release.

The army chief caused quite a stir in government circles when he vowed at a Special Services Group base in Tarbela that the army would “resolutely preserve its own dignity and institutional pride”.

Gen Sharif’s comments were said to be made in the context of the army’s concern over the trial of former military ruler retired Gen Pervez Musharraf on the charge of high treason.

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The statement had sent shockwaves through government circles and became the topic of debate for analysts and local media talk-show anchors.

Insiders the army is also not happy with the way the government is proceeding with its initiative of holding peace talks with militants involved in the killing of tens of thousands of Pakistani citizens and soldiers.