RAWALPINDI: General Qamar Javed Bajwa, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) interacted with participants of the 8th National Workshop Balochistan at General Headquarters, according to a statement issued by ISPR here on Friday.

The interaction is part of workshop being held at Quetta from 1 – 27 November and attended by people related to various fields and segments of the society. Recalling the innumerable sacrifices of the nation in defeating terrorism, COAS reiterated that the hard-earned peace shall be vigorously guarded at all costs.

The resolute support of people of Balochistan to security forces has resulted in stability of the province and materialization of progress on projects of socio-economic development, COAS remarked. Linking prosperity of Pakistan with Balochistan, COAS said nefarious designs of the forces inimical to peace and stability of Pakistan are being foiled through a synergetic and comprehensive strategy.

Bajwa emphasized that the internal and external challenges faced by Pakistan demand a comprehensive national response. He said that by virtue of the effective management of Western Zone, Pakistan was able to remain safe amid crisis situation inside Afghanistan. We will continue ensuring our border and internal security which is so vital for national development, COAS affirmed. Participants thanked COAS for the opportunity.