COAS General Qamar Javed Bajwa visits Pano Aqil in Sukkur

• Army Chief General Bajwa emphasises on effective integration of various arms and services during training.
• The army chief was apprised about the operational preparedness of the desert formation training in the field.
• General Bajwa directs the formation to take all necessary measures for the welfare of martyrs' families.

The Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa on Tuesday visited Pano Aqil in Sukkar, a statement by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said.

"Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa was given a detailed update on operational preparedness of the desert formation training in the field," the statement said.

The army chief witnessed training of formation at Field Firing Ranges, Salehpat.

The participating troops demonstrated integrated battle drills by various components as part of a defensive battle in the desert including fire and manoeuvre, the statement read.

Interacting with troops, the COAS appreciated their combat readiness, training standards and high morale while training under such tough conditions.

"Effective integration of various arms and services during training is imperative for befitting response to an adversary during the war," General Bajwa said.

The army chief also planted a tree as part of the Sarsabz-o-Shadab Pakistan campaign.

He commended the formation for this undertaking in unfavourable desert conditions aimed at preservation of the environment and strengthening the defence of the area.

Later, General Bajwa also visited the family of Sepoy Hizbullah Jatoi Shaheed, in village Dattar Dino of Pano Aqil, who embraced shahadat on September 5, 2021, due to an IED attack on FC troops deployed in Quetta.

The army chief inquired about the well-being of his family and directed all concerned authorities to ensure the welfare of the families of martyrs; who have sacrificed their lives in the defence of Pakistan.