Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Ashfaq Pervez Kayani on Saturday said Pakistan is a peace loving country but is fully capable to respond to any kind of threat effectively.
Addressing the cadets passing out parade at Pakistan Military Academy (PMA) Kakul ‚ he said Pakistan is facing internal and external challenges which would be met with unity.
He said despite the current focus on internal security‚ the armed forces were fully prepared to defeat an external direct threat.
The COAS said, “We have exercised restraint in the face of some very belligerent statements in recent months. Let it suffice to say that Pakistan is fully capable of responding effectively to any threat. Despite our current focus on internal security, we remain fully prepared to defeat any external direct threat.”
He said let there be no doubt that with the nation backing a strong Pakistan Army, no harm can ever come to Pakistan.
Gen Kayani said in its short history, the country had overcome many challenges that would have overwhelmed lesser nations. “We are going through difficult times, but so has every other successful nation at some time in their history,” he stated.
Pakistan Army is fully committed to the country’s cause, and as always, is standing with the nation, he said. He expressed confidence that success will follow if people remain committed to the basis for creating Pakistan. He said Pakistan was created in the name of Islam and Islam can never ever be taken out of Pakistan. However, he added that Islam should always remain a unifying force.
He said regardless of the odds, Pakistan Army will keep doing its best to achieve the dream of a truly Islamic Republic of Pakistan envisioned by Quaid-e-Azam and Allama Iqbal.
Kayani said he felt honoured and privileged to review the passing out parade. “This day marks the culmination of your basic military training at an institution which stands out with distinction amongst the leading military academies of the world,” Kayani said addressing the cadets. He felicitated them for becoming part of the great institution that is Pakistan Army.
Kayani also congratulated the graduating cadets of brotherly Islamic countries such as Palestine, Sudan and Turkmenistan.
The COAS also extended special commendations to the Champion Company and those who won awards of excellence. He said it was their first and foremost responsibility to maintain these standards. “I have full trust that you will never hesitate to always place your country, Pakistan Army and your men before your own selves,” he added.
“Be ambitious. There is nothing wrong with it, but the only way to achieve your ambitions is through hard work. There is no shortcut to it. Do have a dream and always aim high,” said the army chief. He urged the cadets to take pride in whatever they did.
The COAS awarded the sword of honour for the overall best cadet of the 127 Long course to Battalion Senior Under Officer Syed Awais Iftikhar, President’s Gold Medal for the overall second best cadet to Battalion Senior Under Officer Hassan Javed, Chief of Army Staff Overseas Gold Medal for the best Allied Cadet to Allied Under Officer Muhsin Basheer Mohamed Saeed Elzaki, Chief of Army Staff Cane for the best Gentleman Cadet of Integrated Course-46 to Course Under Officer Muhammad Asad Ali and Commandant’s Cane for the best cadet of Mujahid Course-I to Course Under Officer Muhammad Adnan.
Earlier, PMA Commandant Major General Sadiq Ali welcomed the army chief to the parade ground.
Diplomats, senior military officers, parents and relatives of cadets witnessed the parade.
Pakistan fully capable to respond to any threat: Kayani
