Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa on Wednesday has said Pakistan Army is a professional and combat hardened fighting force, ready to defend the motherland. He expressed these views during a visit to Line of Control (LoC).

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) statement, he expressed concern over the increase in Indian ceasefire violations and rhetoric of provocative statements by their military leadership, the army chief said it would be better if they realize this and place their stock in peace and progress through dialogue, statement further read.

General Bajwa was also given an update on the situation along LOC, Indian ceasefire violations and response by Pak Army.

Later, COAS Bajwa interacted with troops and appreciated their state of readiness and morale. He also lauded the resilience of civilian Kashmiri population who are being deliberately targeted by the Indian Army on both sides of the LOC.