ISLAMABAD: Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa has observed that “misinformation and propaganda” are a threat to the integrity of the state that requires a “timely and unified response to effectively counter speculations and rumours”. According to a statement by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa visited Lahore Garrison over the weekend where he was received by Lahore Corps Commander Lieutenant General Muhammad Abdul Aziz. During the visit, the army chief visited the Combined Military Hospital (CMH), Lahore, and inquired about the well-being of Major Haris. The major was manhandled and injured in a road rage incident recently. “Law will take its course. Perpetrators, who are under arrest, will be brought to justice. No one can be allowed to take law into their hands,” the COAS assured. The ISPR added the army chief also interacted with the garrison officers and veterans in two separate interactive sessions during the visit. The army chief appreciated the Lahore Corps for maintaining high standards of operational preparedness and training. “Misinformation and propaganda threatens state integrity requiring timely and unified response to effectively counter speculations and rumours,” said the army chief. Gen Bajwa said that the army’s strength comes from the people and “any effort to create wedge between army and population won’t be tolerated”. “The hostile forces are trying this for a long time but they won’t succeed,” said the army chief, per the statement.
