New Pakistan army chief hints at peace with India

In his first remarks after assuming charge as the chief of Pakistan's army, General Qamar Javed Bajwa on Tuesday said that the current tensions on the border with India will ease soon.

Speaking to the reporters on the sidelines of 'Change in Command' ceremony at the General Headquarters of the army, Gen. Bajwa said situation at the "Line of Control will improve soon".

The army chief added that he had a heavy responsibility on his shoulders.

The comments came after the outgoing army chief, Gen. Raheel Sharif, warned India that "mistaking our policy of patience for weakness" would prove "dangerous".

Exchange of fire at the LoC and a bitter diplomatic war between the two neighbours have escalated after the September 18 killing of 19 Indian soldiers in a terror attack on an army base in Uri, Jammu and Kashmir.

Gen. Bajwa assumed the office as the new army chief at a ceremony at the army HQ in the garrison city of Rawalpindi.

The outgoing chief formally handed over the command stick to Gen Bajwa. signifying the change-over which was attended by a large number of civil and military leaders as well as politicians and diplomats.

Gen. Bajwa also called on the media for their support, asking them to play a part in the keeping the morale of troops. He said he would be holding a meeting with representatives of the media soon.

--IANS

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