RAWALPINDI, Pakistan: The Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa has said that war must be avoided at all costs, and our strategic capability is a guarantee of peace against a highly militarised and increasingly belligerent neighbour.
While witnessing successful training launch of short range surface to surface ballistic missile ‘NASR’, the COAS said that Pakistan will go to any length to ensure regional peace and stability.
“We wholeheartedly support all government efforts at peace through dialogue. Our capability is only meant to ensure, no one thinks war remains an option,” the COAS said.
“Our strat cap is a guarantee of peace agnst belligerent neighbour & only meant to ensure, no one thinks war remains an option”, COAS(2 of2) pic.twitter.com/oMU4bZNnse
— Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor (@OfficialDGISPR) July 5, 2017
In a press release, the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) said that Pakistan has successfully undertaken a series of training launches and tests/trials during the current week for validation of new technical parameters of ‘NASR’ with enhanced range from 60 kms to 70 kms and flight maneuverability.
NASR is a high precision weapon system with the ability of quick deployments. This weapon system will augment credible deterrence against prevailing threat spectrum more effectively, including anti-missile defenses.
The COAS also appreciated the standard of training and operational preparedness of Army Strategic Force and congratulated the scientists and engineers on achieving this significant milestone towards Pakistan’s credible deterrence capability.
The Army Chief expressed his complete confidence in effective command, control, safety and security of all strategic assets and measures being taken to augment these.
“You are our real heroes, the unseen, we owe you our gratitudes,” the COAS remarked. “Nasr has put cold water on cold start.”
Director General Strategic Plans Division, Lieutenant General Mazhar Jamil, Commander Army Strategic Force Command, Lieutenant General Mian Muhammad Hilal Hussain, Chairman NESCOM, Dr Nabeel Hayat Malik, scientists & engineers of strategic organizations also witnessed the launch.
The Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee meeting (JCSC), Chief of Air Staff and Chief of Naval Staff have congratulated the strategic forces on the achievement.
President Mamnoon Hussain and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif while conveying their appreciation have lauded the efforts of all those involved in the missile tests and trials.