By Khawaja Hamza

RAWALPINDI, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), HJ, Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces (COAS & CDF), visited Corps Headquarters Peshawar on Tuesday and was briefed on the prevailing security situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, ongoing counter-terrorism operations, border management measures and the operational preparedness of formations deployed in the province.

The COAS & CDF commended the high morale, readiness and professionalism of officers and troops and acknowledged their steadfast commitment to safeguarding the country and its people. He directed formations to remain vigilant and maintain the highest standards of operational preparedness.

Field Marshal Asim Munir reiterated that the Armed Forces, with the unwavering support of the nation, remain determined to defeat terrorism and ensure lasting peace and stability across the country.

During the visit, he also laid a floral wreath at Yadgar-e-Shuhada and offered Fateha in honour of the martyrs who sacrificed their lives in defence of the motherland and in the fight against terrorism. He reaffirmed that their supreme sacrifices would never be forgotten. The COAS & CDF was received by the Commander Peshawar Corps upon arrival.

Meanwhile, the 9th edition of the Pakistan-Russia Joint Exercise Druzhba-IX and the 2nd edition of the Pakistan-Oman Joint Exercise Washaq Al Jabal-II (Mountain Lynx-II) commenced at Cherat and the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Pabbi, respectively.

The two-week exercises involve contingents from the Pakistan Army, Russian Army and Royal Army of Oman. The participating forces will share operational experience, refine counter-terrorism drills and procedures, enhance interoperability, and exchange best practices. The exercises are also aimed at improving combat skills and tactical expertise while further strengthening bilateral defence cooperation.

In a separate engagement at General Headquarters (GHQ), Rawalpindi, Mr. Nicolas Roche, Secretary General for Defence and National Security (SGDSN) of France, accompanied by French Ambassador to Pakistan Jean-Noël Poirier, called on Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir.

The meeting covered matters of mutual interest, including regional security and bilateral cooperation in defence and security domains. The COAS & CDF reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties and further enhancing defence and security cooperation with France.

Mr. Nicolas Roche acknowledged Pakistan’s efforts to promote regional peace and stability and reciprocated France’s interest in expanding cooperation in areas of mutual interest.