Pakistan at crossroads in terror fight, must decide: Army chief

TIL Desk/World/Islamabad/ Pakistan stands at a “crossroads” in its fight against extremism and must decide whether it wants to enjoy the benefits of its young demography or suffer at the hands of terrorism, Army chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa said today.

Gen Bajwa, speaking on the role of ‘Youth In Rejecting Extremism’ here, said the Army would defeat terrorists but it needed the support of the nation to wipe out extremism from the society.

“Please remember, while the Army fights terrorists, terrorism and extremism is fought by law enforcing agencies and society,” he said.

Pakistan is a young nation, the army chief said, adding that demographically, more than 50 per cent of population is projected to be less than 25 years of age.

“We are standing at a crossroads; ten year down the line, we will either be enjoying the fruits of a youth dividend or suffering at the hands of a youth bulge, especially with the youth which remains vulnerable to extremism,” he said.