Gen Bajwa visits NCTC, witnesses concluding training sessions in Pabbi

RAWALPINDI: Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa on Thursday visited National Counter Terrorism Training Centre (NCTC), Pabbi and spent his day witnessing concluding sessions of high profile training events, an Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) statement said.

According to the statement, Gen Bajwa saw the final day of two months long Pak- China exercise Warrior-4, which was focused on high impact counter-terrorism operations both in rural and urban areas using heliborne and special forces of both countries.

While speaking to officers and troops on the occasion, COAS noted that sharing of best experiences through series of exercises had improved counter-terror combat skills of both Chinese and Pak troops.

He emphasised that such exercises have integrated the two armies and will help us to eliminate terrorism from the region.

“Our newly built NCTC has been recognised as a world-class facility and is attracting other armies for training with our Army”, Gen Bajwa said.

COAS appreciated the interest of friendly countries in training with Pak Army, and said, “We will continue to offer our training services for defeating the menace of terrorism and bringing peace.”

COAS also commended the staff of Training Centre for having trained Rangers, Police, ASF and other services also in fighting terrorists.

Later, the Chinese Military Commander paid his gratitude to Pak Army for the highest standard of training and skills, an asset that China shall continue to benefit.

“Our successful training and closeness will help further consolidate long-term trusted strategic friendship of our two eternally friendly countries”, Chinese Comd said.

COAS also witnessed the first ever Long Range Sniper Shooting Competition called The Striker’s Cup, in which 100 top civilian and military shooters from all over the country participated.

COAS awarded prizes to the best shooters. Major Junaid was declared the best shooter and won the Striker’s Cup. COAS directed to expand the scope and participation of firers to train our youth to be able to win shooting competitions at international level.

Earlier on arrival, COAS was received by Commander 1 Corps, Lieutenant General Umar Farooq Durrani.