Maiden Launch of the Quetta Association in Srilanka and the visit of Pakistani Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani

Maiden Launch of the Quetta Association in Srilanka and the visit of Pakistani Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani

Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani

Pakistani Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani accompanied by his spouse Mrs. Zahida Kayani is currently on a visit to Srilanka. 

Since independence, Sri Lanka and Pakistan have consistently maintained close, cordial and mutually supportive relations especially in the field of defense. Both nations have assisted each other during testing times in their history.

Besides meetings with the top leadership of the country and address to the student officers at the Srilankan Defense Services Command and Staff College today, General Kayani will also be formally inaugurating the Srilanka Chapter of The Quetta Association.

 Srilanka will have the privilege of being the first country in the world where Quetta Association will be launched. This Association comprises the Srilankan graduate officers of the Command and Staff College Quetta Pakistan. The Command and Staff College Quetta is the oldest training institution of Pakistan Army and it was established in 1905. The total member of the Quetta Association in Srilanka is 42, who hold highly significant assignments in their respective institutions.

The Quetta Association is a non-governmental, non-political, non-religious, non-ethnic, non racial and non-profitable organization. It provides a platform of interaction to the Graduates of the Command and Staff College Quetta and provides them an opportunity for intellectual exchange of current developments in the region with particular focus on Srilanka and Pakistan.

The Quetta Association will operate as a dynamic forum for both the defense forces to identify common threats and evolve common strategies to face current regional and global threats and challenges. The scope of the Quetta Association will be gradually enhanced to also engage Ex graduates of the other premier defense institution of Pakistan like National Defense University, School of Infantry and Tactics, Air War College, Naval Staff College, etc.                  
   Pakistan and Sri Lanka have comprehensive and mutually beneficial training collaboration for Army, Navy and Air Force. Over a period of time, a strong bond of commitment and mutual understanding has been reached between both the friendly armed forces. In future too, both the brotherly countries are expected to work more closely in the field of defence to boost peace efforts in the region.                               

  

General Ashfaq Parvez is the focal leader behind this challenging Global War against Terrorism efforts. With his superb command and prudent strategic direction Pak-Army has successfully flushed out militants from picturesque Swat Valley, where peace and normalcy has been completely restored.


The COAS with his deep understanding of the GWOT and patriotic intent has not only safeguarded vital national interests but also brought admiration for Pakistan amongst the whole world.  

 As COAS he never overlooked the welfare of his brave troops and declared his first year of command as “Soldier’s Year” that witnessed extensive welfare projects for the soldiers of Pak-Army.

General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani took over as the new Chief of Army Staff (COAS) after General Musharraf's retirement on November 28, 2007. General Kayani is the first officer in the history of Pakistan who held the position of DG ISI and then went on to become the Chief of Army Staff (COAS). Presently in Global War on Terror (GWOT), a major and critical role is being played by Pak-Army.

The visit of Pakistan’s Army Chief is highly significant as it is the first visit of Pakistan’s Army Chief to Sri Lanka following the defeat of LTTE in 2009. During the 3 decade long war against LTTE, Pakistan played a crucial and decisive role by assisting the Srilankan Government and the armed forces. The visit of Pakistan’s Army Chief provides an opportunity to the two brotherly countries to exchange expertise and also provide an occasion for further strengthening of future relationship in the present context.