Islamabad, Dec 2 (IANS): Any future aggression will see Pakistan responding "with full force, regardless of the cost and consequences" and soldiers need not wait for directions from the high command, army chief General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani has told his troops.

In his first message to the troops after the Nov 26 NATO attack that left 24 soldiers dead, the powerful army chief said Thursday that aggressors would not be able to evade a crushing retaliation in future.

The general permitted the soldiers to respond to any attack without waiting for directions from the high command, reported Dawn.

"Be assured that we will not let the aggressor walk away easily," Kayani said in a message for the troops.

The message said that he had "clearly directed that any act of aggression will be responded with full force, regardless of the cost and consequences".

The general's message was drafted to improve the morale of soldiers over the Nov 26 NATO airstrike on two Pakistan Army checkposts in Mohmand Agency that left 24 soldiers dead.

Kayani said he was proud of his soldiers who responded with all resources at their disposal, including artillery.

"We all salute the courage displayed by brave officers and men..."

The general was of the opinion the attack could have been effectively retaliated had the communications network not broken down.

"Timely decision could not be taken due to breakdown of communication with the affected posts and therefore lack of clarity of situation at various levels, including corps HQ and GHQ," the media report said.

He made it clear that in an attack, the soldiers could respond on their own without waiting for orders from the command.

Kayani said he had "full trust" in their capabilities and resolve.