Comprehensive national response needed on hybrid conflicts: COAS

RAWALPINDI: Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa on Monday said a comprehensive national response was required on hybrid conflicts.

COAS General Bajwa was speaking to 20 participants of the National Security Workshop during an interactive session at the General Headquarters. 

During the interaction, COAS Bajwa said we are now confronting hybrid conflicts where the focus is shifting subversion on religions, sectarian, ethnic and social issues, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a press release.

“This needs a national response,” the COAS said about hybrid conflicts emphasising that there was greater responsibility now on ensuring that Pakistanis, especially the youth stay aware and steadfast against the propaganda onslaught being launched through soft offensive.

“It’s our time to rise and progress and we must grasp the opportunity achieved after countless sacrifice,” the press release quoted COAS.

The army chief also said Pakistan had been subjected to various threats, especially during the last two decades, adding that the Pakistani nation and its armed forces had bravely and successfully stood up to these challenges and are on a positive trajectory to defeat it effectively.

The National Security Workshop is an annual event at the National Defence University participated by representatives from all segments of society.