- Gen Raheel says Pakistani military will continue to take action against terrorists of all hue and colour
- Assures Chinese leadership of Pakistan Army’s resolve to ensure security of CPEC project
Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif Thursday reiterated his resolve to break the nexus between terrorists, criminality and corruption in the country.
“As we consolidate the gains of Operation Zarb-e-Azb, we will continue to take action against terrorists of all hue and colour. Our resolve to break the nexus between terrorists, criminality and corruption is unflinching,” said the army chief while addressing audience at a ceremony held to observe 89th anniversary of the founding of the Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) of China.
Chinese Ambassador Sun Weidong, Chinese Defence Attache Maj General Qi Huajun were also present on the occasion.
Gen Raheel said that China and Pakistan are partners in fight against the menace of terrorism for the common good of humanity. “We seek enhanced regional cooperation to root out the menace of extremism and terrorism for enduring peace and stability in the region,” he added.
Referring to the significance of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project, the army chief said that CPEC is a strategic game-changer not just for Pakistan but for the entire region. It is destined to bring significant improvement in the lives of hundreds of millions of people, besides promoting mutual interdependence among regional states, he maintained.
”As chief of army staff, I assure you that security of CPEC is our national undertaking and we will not leave any stone unturned to ensure its timely completion and uninterrupted success,” said the army chief and added that the affinity of views between China and Pakistan reflects our common vision and shared destiny. “This convergence of our interests and commonality of purpose make us the most important strategic players in the region,” he added.
Gen Sharif said that Pakistan Army and the people of Pakistan take pride in their bonds of friendship with China. “This iconic relationship is sweeter than the honey, higher than the Himalayas and deeper than the oceans. It is a symbol of our time-tested friendship and deep and impregnable relationship,” he remarked.
He said the occasion also brings to fore tremendous sacrifices made by the brave people of China in pursuing their dream through a united and unyielding struggle, which has certainly set a glorious precedent to follow.
“I also take this opportunity to convey my sincere greetings and compliments to Chairman Xi Jinping, General Fan Changlong, Vice Chairman Central Military Commission and General Fenghui, Chief of Joint Staff on this day of commemoration,” he said.
He said that on this day a peasant army turned into a formidable force which reminds us of the power of people’s unity before which no goal is too high, no distance too long and no task too hard.
“Today, PLA is regarded as one of the finest military organisations of the world. The professional standard of the PLA, its technological outreach and enviable operational record stand testimony to my remarks,” he added.
Gen Raheel Sharif said that mutually beneficial engagements between the two countries include defence collaboration as well as joint production ventures. “It also includes unified diplomatic front at all international platforms including United Nations, Association of South East Asian Nations, Shanghai Cooperation Organisation; and the splendid CPEC,” he said.
“Let me reiterate that the Pakistan Army and the PLA form the edifice of our overall strategic relations. I am sure that the vast range of professional collaboration between PLA and Pakistan Army will continue to grow as a hallmark of the eternal friendship and common future of China and Pakistan,” the army chief said.
In his remarks, the Defence Attache of the Chinese Embassy reiterated continued commitment of China towards peace and security of the region.