PM, COAS inspect military exercise Raad ul Burq

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Raheel Sharif arrived in Khairpur Tamiwali near the border with India to witness the ongoing military exercise Raad ul Burq.

The exercise was aimed at checking the operational preparedness of the military. Tanks, planes, artillery and other heavy weapons are on display during Wednesday’s exercise.

Tanks taking part in Raad ul Barq - Screengrab

Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Rashad Mahmood and the three services chiefs were also present on the occasion. Deputy Chief of Staff of Saudi Armed Forces was also present.

Also in attendance were Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq and National Security Adviser Nasir Janjua.

Lt. General Ishfaq Nadeem Ahmed briefed those in attendance about the military exercise.  He said that the purpose of the exercise was to increase the capability of Pakistan’s military.  

Lt. General Nadeem further said Pakistan was fully capable of tackling any aggression.

Director General ISPR, Lt. General Asim Bajwa tweeted that the exercise showcased Pakistan’s combat readiness against enemies.

Ex Raad Ul Barq:Comprehensive,integ Exercise encompassing all weapons,calibers,at our best combat readiness against our enemy-live on TV now

— Gen Asim Bajwa (@AsimBajwaISPR) November 16, 2016

Military might on display

PAF’s fighter aircraft including JF-17 Thunder, F-7PG and Mirage hit targets with agility and precision avoiding radars.

The manoeuvring Mirage aircraft flew close to ground striking weapons at the designated targets.

The Firing Falcon formation of four F-16 aircraft each capable of carrying 24,000 pounds high explosive bombs enough to target 2 x 2 kilometres of land successfully hit enemy s targets.

Cobra Gunship and Z10 helicopters fired missiles having six kilometres range and successfully engaged the targets.

The helicopters of Army Aviation Combat Group that participated in the Operation Zarb-e-Azb also demonstrated their combat potential.

The exercise also demonstrated indigenously developed surface to air missiles, multi barrel rocket launchers, sky radars for target detection and rocket propelled target system.

The demonstration concluded with a flypast by F-16 aircraft receiving thunderous applause by the audience.

Exercise show preparedness of armed forces

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said the military exercise showed the preparedness of Pakistan’s armed forces.

“Armed forces are ready to combat any internal and external threats.”

According to the prime minister, it was through the sacrifices of the armed forces that the writ of the state was established. He added that Pakistan's fight against terrorism had been recognised worldwide.

“Sacrifices of military personnel will not go in waste.”

The prime minister further said the government did not want to interfere in the matters of any other country and had the same expectations from the global community.

The prime minister added that all efforts will be made to ensure that CPEC projects are completed on time. "No province will be deprived from the benefits of CPEC.”  

On the Jammu and Kashmir issue, the prime minister said this was at the core of Pakistan-India relations and needed to be resolved keeping in mind the aspirations of the Kashmiri people. “Human rights violations in Kashmir are the source of tension in the region.” 

Speaking on Indian cross border violations, the prime minister said Indian violations at the Line of Control were a serious matter.

“Raad ul Barq is proof that Pakistan is capable of giving befitting response to any aggression.”

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif also said Pakistan's enemies did not want to see the country prosper.

Sacrifices of martyrs will not go in vain

Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Raheel spoke after the military exercise. The Army chief said sacrifices of soldiers would not go in vain.

He added that preparation of armed forces would not let anyone cast an evil eye on Pakistan.

“We want to provide secure and better future to the next generation,” COAS was quoted as saying.

India's LoC violations threat to regional peace 

On Tuesday, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said India’s unprovoked firing at the Line of Control was a threat to regional peace.

During a meeting, Prime Minister Sharif emphasised that Pakistan was showing all possible restraint as he warned India that this should not be mistaken for weakness and Pakistanis should not be considered a soft target.

Pakistan is capable of tackling any aggression, the prime minister said. "Our military is ready to give adequate response to any aggression." 

Prime Minister Sharif called on the United Nations to take notice of Indian violations, adding that India trying to divert attention from the Kashmir issue.

On Sunday, seven Pakistani soldiers were martyred from unprovoked Indian firing at the Line of Control.

According to the PM House spokesman, in recent unprovoked Indian firing 26 Pakistanis had lost their lives, while 107 including women and children had been injured.