Gen Bajwa says fight against terrorism to continue

Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa hoisted the largest national flag in the history of Pakistan at Wagha border on the eve of the Independence Day celebrations.

The flag was hoisted on a 400-feet pole, whereas the size of the flag is 120 feet by 80 feet. The flag has been made entirely in Pakistan, and is said to be the highest flag in South Asia and the eighth highest in the world. This is the exact place where the national flag was hoisted for the first time.

Pakistan is to celebrate the Independence Day celebrations on August 14 (today) with a leading ceremony in Islamabad which is to be participated by President Mamnoon Hussain, Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, ministers, advisers and civil and military officials.

Earlier on Sunday, General Bajwa visited Quetta and attended Namaz-e-Janaza of soldiers, who embraced martyrdom in a Saturday night blast. Balochistan Governor Muhammad Khan Achakzai, Chief Minister Sanaullah Zehri, Minister for Interior Affairs Ahsan Iqbal and other civil and military officials also attended the funeral.

The army chief also visited the injured of the Quetta blast at the Combined Military Hospital (CMH) in cantonment area. Later, he was briefed about the incident. General Bajwa reiterated that the fight against terrorism would continue till achievement of enduring peace and stability.

He said that there was a need to have synergy between efforts of all state institutions to defeat terrorism in totality. Pakistani nation shall celebrate Independence Day so as to honour sacrifices of all Shuhada-e-Pakistan, who have laid their lives for a peaceful and prosperous motherland, he added.

The FIR of the attack, which took place on Saturday evening at the Pishin bus stop, is yet to be registered. Experts of the Punjab Forensic Science Agency are expected to arrive in Quetta soon for aiding the investigation. The site of the incident remains sealed, with no thoroughfare allowed.

The attack on the military vehicle left eight army officials and seven civilians dead and also injured around 40 people. Condemning the terrorist attack, Gen Bajwa termed it an attempt to mar Independence Day festivity in the city and declared that resolve won’t succumb to any challenge.

The Balochistan Assembly and FC Hostel are situated near the site of the explosion and the area is categorised as sensitive security wise. Following the blast, Chief Minister Zehri and Interior Minister Ahsan, accompanied by Quetta Corps Commander Lt Gen Aamer Riaz, visited the hospital to inquire into the injured being treated there.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Khawaja Muhammad Asif condemned the attack, saying the brave armed forces stand steadfast against the coward enemy.