Armed Forces fully capable to perform Task: Musharraf
By Aziz Malik - Pakistan Times Federal Bureau Chief

ISLAMABAD: President General Pervez Musharraf has said that a strong defence and vibrant economy are essential components for ensuring national security and Pakistan has taken major strides in both of these vital areas.

He was addressing officers and men on the occasion of the installation ceremony of Vice Chief of Army Staff General Ahsan Saleem Hyat as the Colonel-in-Chief of the Armoured Corps at the Armoured Corps Regimental Centre in Nowshera on Monday.

The President said that the Pakistan Armed Forces are a superb fighting outfit fully capable of performing the sacred task of defending territorial integrity of the country.

While paying rich tributes to the contribution of officers and jawans of the Armoured Corps, the President said that all possible efforts are in hand to equip them with the latest state of the art weapons and equipment. He said that the amount of attention being paid to the modernization of the Armoured Corps spoke volumes of the importance that was attached to it.

Al-Zarrar and Al-Khalid

Towards this aspect, he referred to the induction of indigenously manufactured Alzarrar and Al-Khalid tanks that had enhanced manifold the firepower, mobility and manoeuvrability of the armour units, while greatly contributing to self-reliance in the field of defence.

The President lauded the services of former Vice Chief of Army staff and outgoing Colonel-in-Chief General (Retd) Muhammad Yousaf Khan. He said that the Armoured Corps had greatly benefited from his vast experience and wisdom.

Congratulating the new Colonel-in-Chief, Vice Chief of Army Staff General Ahsan Saleem Hyat, the President said that the Armoured Corps was lucky to have an officer of his qualities.

The President and the outgoing Colonel-in-Chief pinned the badges of ranks on the shoulders of new Colonel-in-Chief General Ahsan Saleem Hyat and presented him the regimental cap to formally install him as the new Colonel-in-Chief.

The new Colonel-in-Chief and the Vice Chief of Army Staff General Ahsan Saleem Hyat, complimented and thanked General Muhammad Yusaf Khan for the services rendered for betterment of Armoured Corps. He said General Yusaf was the fourth generation officer, and the cohesiveness, unity and discipline in Armoured Corps is largely due to his efforts. He put the Corps on the right path and direction and set high standards for the future generations.

The Vice Chief of Army Staff said that Armoured Corps has come a long way since its inception, when it only had 6 regiments with armoured cars, Sherman and Patton tanks only. Today we are proud to hold top of the line equipment in shape of tanks T80UD, T85, Al-Khalid and ‘Al-Zarrar’. He attributed the recent developments in tanks, APCs and related equipment to Lieutenant General (Retd) Hamid Javed’s vision, perseverance and hard work. He also thanked the President for his full support and timely decision all along.

General Ahsan Saleem Hyat paid rich tributes to the ‘Shuhada’ of the Corps who sacrificed their today for our tomorrow. He said services of our martyrs and ‘Ghazis’ will always be remembered and all possible efforts will be made to help their families.

General Ahsan Saleem Hyat said the standard at which Armoured Corps stands today owes itself to the team spirit, hard work and faith of everybody wearing black beret.

He said that our JCOs and NCOs have rendered splendid services not only towards upkeep of the traditions but also in imparting training and passing on the experience to new generation including officers.

High Standards

He also appreciated the role of Armored Corps Centre, in raising and maintaining high standards of the Corps. He praised the progress that has been achieved in Armored Corps Centre in the recent years and hoped that the Centre would continue to contribute towards the success of the Corps in future as well.

Earlier, the President visited the Yaadgar-e-Shuhada, where he laid a floral wreath and offered Fateha as a mark of respect to the Shuhada who gave the supreme sacrifice of their lives in the defence of the motherland.

The President also pinned the badges of ranks on the shoulders of Lieutenant General Javed Alam, Corps Commander Mangla to formally install him as new Colonel Commandant of the Armoured Corps Regiment. Lieutenant General (Retd) Hamid Javed, outgoing Colonel Commandant of the Regiment was also present on this occasion. The ceremony was attended by a large number of senior serving and retired officers and junior commissioned officers and jawans of the Armoured Corps.

Later the President visited the School of Artillery at Nowshera and attended a briefing on professional matters. He also witnessed the young officers busy in a classroom.

Musharraf, Abizaid discuss war on terror

Meanwhile, General John P. Abizaid, Commander US CENTCOM, who is on an official visit to Pakistan, called on President General Pervez Musharraf here on Monday.

During the call, they exchanged views on the prevailing geo-strategic international and regional environment.

Sources say, various aspects of war on terror were discussed in detail during the course of talks, with top US military official lauding Pakistan’s efforts aimed at the elimination of terrorists’ network.

President Musharraf said Pakistan would continue to play its role in global fight against the scourge of terror, they added.

General John P. Abizaid visited the Joint Staff Headquarters and called on General Ehsanul Haq, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee.

Matters of mutual interest came under discussion during the meeting.

Commander of the US Central Command also visited the General Headquarters and Naval Headquarters and called on General Ahsan Saleem Hyat, Vice Chief of the Army Staff and Admiral Shahid Karim Ullah, Chief of the Naval Staff, respectively.

Professional matters were discussed during the meeting.●