- Mamnoon says govt to equip armed forces with latest hardware, equipment; ‘A powerful, stronger and democratic Pakistan to overcome all its issues’
President Mamnoon Hussain on Saturday said that the government would leave no stone unturned to equip the armed forces of Pakistan with the latest hardware and equipment because a strong defence prowess and preparedness could defend the motherland against threats in view of terrorism, internal and external challenges and in the regional context.
Addressing at an award giving ceremony and the grand luncheon of the armed forces arranged here in connection with the Pakistan Day parade, he said that the armed forces with their professional capabilities and devotion were defending Pakistan on all fronts and have made the country’s defence formidable.
A large number of high officials of the armed forces and jawans were present on the occasion. On the occasion, the president gave away prizes among the officers and jawans for showing best performance besides, various departments of the civilian administration and the craftsmen of the cultural floats.
Officers of Chinese and Saudi troops were also awarded shields. The Chinese ambassador to Pakistan received the shield on behalf of the troops. Logistics Director General Major General Muhammad Jaffar also addressed the ceremony.
President Mamnoon said that Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah had given a slogan of faith, discipline and unity and the armed forces would continue serving the nation under the same guiding principle. He noted that a powerful, stronger and democratic Pakistan would overcome all its issues.
He felicitated the armed forces on successful holding of the Pakistan Day parade and said that the joint parade was undeniable proof about the exemplary discipline and excellent capabilities of the armed forces. The nation feel pride over the professional aptitude of the armed forces as they were symbols of defence, integrity and pride of the motherland, he said.
He observed that March 23rd parade re-established nation’s confidence that the armed forces with their thorough professionalism were fully capable of defending the motherland at every moment. He also expressed his pleasure over the participation of troops from China and Saudi Arabia and the Turkish band, saying it multiplied the joys of the parade.
He said that their participation displayed everlasting friendship ties among Pakistan and these countries and expressed his gratitude over their participation. He told the gathering that the height of professionalism, glistening of the medals and equipment had also struck awe in the eyes of enemies.
The president advised the troops to keep alive the same fervour for the greatness of Pakistan. He said that the armed forces had always defended and served the nation and country in every critical moment which was unprecedented. The nation wanted the esteem institute to gain further strength with each passing day by equipping itself with the modern patterns and techniques, he said.
The president also paid tribute to the sacrifices of the officers and the personnel of the armed forces for successfully destroying the network of terrorists by laying down their lives. He reiterated that the Radd-ul-Fasaad security operation was the manifestation of the national resolve and it would continue till elimination of the last terrorist.