- Nawaz says no compromise on defence, assures provision of resources to defence forces
- Pays tribute to air commodore (r) MM Alam at PAF airbase rechristening
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Thursday dispelled the impression that Pakistan was sending its troops to Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, saying that no one has asked Pakistan to send its military.
In response to a question by media representatives after a ceremony at the MM Alam Airbase in Mianwali, the premier said that Pakistan was not sending its forces to either of the countries and neither had it been approached to do so.
The premier said that the Bahraini king’s visit to Pakistan was beneficial to the country and should be viewed as such, adding that the country was faced with multiple challenges and timely decisions needed to be made.
Nawaz said that the recent visit of Saudi crown prince also reflected that Pakistan’s foreign policy was progressing in the right direction. He hoped these visits will go a long way in further strengthening Pakistan’s ties with Muslim countries.
Earlier, speaking at the ceremony held for renaming PAF base as MM Alam Base, the prime minister said that Pakistan had no aggressive designs but also could not compromise on its defence and sovereignty. He added that Pakistan was a peace-loving country and believed in peaceful coexistence with its neighbours. Only a stable and strong Pakistan could guarantee peace and stability in the region, he added.
Moreover, the prime minister assured the provision of all necessary resources to defence forces for country’s protection.
Paying tribute to late MM Alam, the prime minister said that every Pakistani wanted to follow in his footsteps to revive the glory of Islam and make Pakistan a successful country.
The prime minister said that Pakistan Air Force was fully capable of defending the Pakistani territory. He said PAF had made significant efforts to improve its capabilities and the production of JF-17 Thunder was one of its best examples. He hoped that PAF will continue to bring in further improvement in various sections.
Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Information Minister Pervez Rashid, Air Chief Tahir Rafique Butt and siblings of air commodore (r) Muhammad Mahmood Alam Khan were also present on the occasion.
MM Alam, a veteran of the 1965 and 1971 wars, had passed away in a hospital in Karachi in March 2013 after a prolonged illness.