Pak-China joint air drills important to boost combat readiness: Bajwa

Published December 19, 2020
Chief of the Army Staff Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa pictured during a visit to an operational base of the Pakistan Air Force on Friday. Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Mujahid Anwar Khan is also present.—INP
Chief of the Army Staff Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa pictured during a visit to an operational base of the Pakistan Air Force on Friday. Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Mujahid Anwar Khan is also present.—INP

ISLAMABAD: Army Chief Gen Qamar Bajwa on Friday emphasised combat readiness and improved interoperability with China.

In his remarks at an air base he visited for witnessing Pak-China Joint Air Exercise Shaheen-IX, Gen Bajwa said that joint drills with China were important “to increase the combat readiness of both countries to face emerging geo-strategic challenges”.

Shaheen-IX exercises, which are participated by Pakistan Air Force and People’s Liberation Army Air Force, are being held this year in Pakistan. They have been regularly held since 2011, alternating between the two countries.

India and Pakistan have long-standing tense relationship because of the dispute over Kashmir. However, India’s deadly clashes with China this year, the first in nearly 45 years, have significantly altered security dynamics of the region.

In this context, Gen Bajwa’s comments about the two countries enhancing their combat readiness and interoperability are very significant.

Gen Bajwa said: “The joint exercise will improve combat capacity of both air forces substantially and also enhance interoperability between them with greater strength and harmony.”

The army chief also called for improving inter-services harmony and synergy for better operational results.

He lauded the professionalism and dedication of PAF and its high morale and noted that professionalism of PAF personnel made it one of the best air forces in the world.

Published in Dawn, December 19th, 2020

Opinion

Editorial

Military option
Updated 21 Nov, 2024

Military option

While restoring peace is essential, addressing Balochistan’s socioeconomic deprivation is equally important.
HIV/AIDS disaster
21 Nov, 2024

HIV/AIDS disaster

A TORTUROUS sense of déjà vu is attached to the latest health fiasco at Multan’s Nishtar Hospital. The largest...
Dubious pardon
21 Nov, 2024

Dubious pardon

IT is disturbing how a crime as grave as custodial death has culminated in an out-of-court ‘settlement’. The...
Islamabad protest
Updated 20 Nov, 2024

Islamabad protest

As Nov 24 draws nearer, both the PTI and the Islamabad administration must remain wary and keep within the limits of reason and the law.
PIA uncertainty
20 Nov, 2024

PIA uncertainty

THE failed attempt to privatise the national flag carrier late last month has led to a fierce debate around the...
T20 disappointment
20 Nov, 2024

T20 disappointment

AFTER experiencing the historic high of the One-day International series triumph against Australia, Pakistan came...