Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir on Thursday said safety and security of each Pakistani is of “paramount importance, which cannot be allowed to be compromised at any cost”.

The army chief passed these remarks while talking about repatriation and deportation of illegal foreigners from Pakistan during the National Security Workshop, the military’s media wing Inter-Services Public Relations Pakistan (ISPR) said.

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National Security Workshop is an annual event held at the National Defence University, participated by representatives from all segments of society.

This year, it was attended by 98 participants including parliamentarians, senior civil and armed forces officers, and representatives of the civil society.

The participants were briefed about regional and internal security dynamics and national security environment. Later the participants had an interactive session with the Army chief.

Addressing the participants, COAS said, “Armed Forces of Pakistan and its security and intelligence setups have fought the menace of terrorism in an exemplary manner despite sustained and varied support of inimical forces.”

COAS emphasised, “intelligentsia and civil society have a greater responsibility to ensure that our people, especially youth stay aware and steadfast against hostile propaganda onslaught being launched through soft offensive against the state institutions of Pakistan”.

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The forum was also apprised regarding host of measures being taken to curb activities of the illegal spectrum including smuggling, power theft, narcotics prevalence, border control measures.

During the session, army chief also highlighted the economic positivity generated by multiple proactive steps, especially the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC).

“Army is fully engaged in enabling national and provincial responses in different domains in step with other institutions of the state for the collective good of the people of Pakistan.

“We are a resilient nation that has endured the tests of time on its path to achieving peace and stability,” COAS concluded.