Pakistan Today

Resolving Kashmir issue essential for lasting regional peace: COAS Gen Raheel Sharif

 

Army Chief General Raheel Sharif on Saturday said that only a fair and just resolution of Kashmir issue, in accordance with the will of Kashmiri people as enshrined in the UN resolutions, could ensure lasting peace in the region.

He was addressing a passing out parade at the Pakistan Military Academy in Kakul.

The newly commissioned officers include over 1200 cadets, including 45 cadets from friendly countries.

”  Coercion and repression of the Kashmiri people will never shake their confidence to ultimately exercise their freedom of choice promised by the international community. It is our firm belief that the determination of our Kashmiri brethren and collective conscience of free world will bear fruit and their aspirations will eventually be realized,” he said.

The army chief  further said that the Pakistan Army is fully capable  to counter aggression across the ‘entire spectrum of threat’ yet it persistently seeks peace in the region and beyond.

” We desire regional stability and relationship based on equality and mutual respect.”

” Sentiments of goodwill and amity notwithstanding, let there be no doubt that any aggression against our beloved country will get a befitting response and no sacrifice will be too great in this sacred cause,” he said.

Talking about the military operation launched in North Waziristan, General Sharif termed Operation Zarb-e-Azb ‘a commitment to cleanse Pakistan of the scourge of terrorism once and for all.’

” Pakistan’s Law Enforcement Agencies aided by Intelligence Agencies are also playing a commendable role in hunting down terrorists and their networks across the country.

” In view of the successes we are achieving the displaced people of FATA will be able to return to their homes sooner than expected,” he said.

The army chief also conveyed his wishes to the newly formed Afghan government, wishing ‘peace, stability and prosperity to the people of Afghanistan and the region at large’

‘Pakistan Army in its capacity will do all that is necessary to support the Afghan Security Forces in every possible manner,’ he said.

General Sharif congratulated the cadets while adding that Pakistan Army wants Pakistan to prosper and earn its rightful place in the comity of nation, in line with the vision of our great Quaid, Muhammd Ali Jinnah and stands for true democratic values and rule of law in letter and spirit.

“Any reservations about our intent are not only misplaced but also detrimental for the country,” he said.

 

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