RAWALPINDI: General Qamar Javed Bajwa, Chief of Army Staff (COAS), visited Inter-Services Public Relations Directorate (ISPR) Monday.

The COAS addressed and interacted with youth during the ongoing annual internship programme at ISPR. The COAS congratulated the students on successful completion of the internship programme. While speaking on the occasion, he said that Pakistan is blessed with most talented and vibrant youth and future of Pakistan belongs to them, said a press release issued here.

He said that he has full confidence and optimism that Pakistani youth realizing their potential will lead Pakistan to new era of peace and progress. He said that state is determined to root out extremism and terrorism for which youth has an important role to play. He said that nature and character of war has changed. Youth now is prime target of our enemies in the hybrid war. He advised the youth to stay determined and defeat all such threats to take Pakistan forward to its rightful destination as part of the nation.

Acknowledging efforts of youth on historic merger of erstwhile Fata into Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), he said that this mainstreaming will facilitate bringing enduring peace, stability and socio-economic development for the long neglected and terrorism rid area.

He emphasised that education has to stay as our national priority and Pakistan Army is determined to provide whole hearted support towards this state objective, especially in Balochistan. Establishment of NUST Campus in Balochistan and Khush Hal Balochistan are testimony of our commitment.

The annual Internship Programme 2018 was held at ISPR comprising students of various educational institutions from across the country.—PR