- Gen Sharif says Kashmir is an unresolved regional issue, Kashmiris facing Indian hostility and cruelty for past seven decades
- Says Pak fighting ‘untraditional war’ for many years but it is stronger than before and nation more hopeful than ever
- Says operations in Karachi and Balochistan will be taken to logical conclusion, assures armed forces in control, state’s writ established
- Says Pakistan has made sincere efforts for peace in Afghanistan, forces trying to foil efforts won’t succeed
- PM lays wreath at Major Aziz Bhatti Memorial, condoles with slain Punjab home minister’s family
Addressing a ceremony on Defence Day at the General Headquarters in Rawalpindi to honour the martyrs of the armed forces, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Raheel Sharif on Sunday said that Pakistan Army is fully cable of responding to attacks on a small or large scale and “the enemy will face heavy consequences in any case”.
Gen Sharif said September 6 was an important day in Pakistan’s history, when it repulsed the enemy’s attack and inflicted heavy losses on it. “I’m honored that soldiers from that war are present among us today.”
The army chief said in the past 50 years Pakistan has seen many ups and downs. “But I can say with certainty that today we are stronger than before and the nation is more hopeful than ever.”
Moreover, Gen Sharif said Kashmir is an unresolved regional issue and for the past seven decades, the people of Kashmir have been facing Indian hostility and cruelty.
“There can be no peace in the region without resolution of the Kashmir issue according to the UN resolutions and wishes of the Kashmiri people.”
The army chief said Operation Zarb-e-Azb was launched at a time when terrorist networks had solidified in the country, adding that the armed forces had been fighting an “untraditional war” for the past many years. “Our success is the result of our martyrs and ghazis.”
The COAS said the Peshawar school massacre was the epitome of barbarity and praised the parents who had shown immense patience in the face of the tragedy.
“Today, armed forces and all security agencies are in control of the situation and the writ of the state has been fully established.”
Gen Raheel said the journey to success was a tough one. “Now all state institutions have to play their roles so that all objectives of the National Action Plan (NAP) are achieved soon.”
He also paid tributes to FATA residents for their sacrifices, adding that IDPs’ return to their homes had already begun and the process will be further expedited.
The COAS also paid a rich tribute to the country’s media for unveiling the “true face of terrorists,” which he said was a key aspect of the war against militants.
The army chief reiterated his resolve to eliminate “abettors, financiers, sympathizers, and facilitators” of terrorists at all costs.
Talking about the situation in Karachi and Balochistan, he said peace had returned in the areas after coordination between civil and military leaderships, adding that operations in both regions will be taken to logical conclusions.
Moreover, the army chief said the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) was not only crucial for Pakistan, but would benefit the entire region. “Therefore its completion is a national duty and Pakistan Army will play its full role to that end.”
Gen Sharif also said Afghanistan and Pakistan were tied by blood, and the two countries had a deep rooted, historic relationship. “We have taken sincere efforts for peace in Afghanistan. Some forces want to foil these efforts but we will never let them succeed.”
The COAS went on to say that Pakistan’s efforts against terror have been key for “regional and international peace,” adding that “we hope the international community will appreciate and support us in our struggle”.
In his concluding remarks, the army chief said he was proud to be the commander of the “best war force in the world”.
The ceremony was attended by all services chiefs, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, Senate Chairman Raza Rabbani, Opposition Leader in the National Assembly Khurshid Shah, families of martyrs and other civil and military dignitaries.
Earlier, anthems and documentaries to honour the officers and men of the armed forces were played and families of the martyred soldiers were given the rostrum to express themselves on the occasion.
PM SHARIF PAYS TRIBUTE:
In the meanwhile, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif Sunday visited the monument of Major Raja Aziz Bhatti at Baidian in Lahore to pay homage to the martyrs of the 1965 war. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Lahore Corps Commander, senior military officials, veterans of 1965 war and relatives of the martyred soldiers and officers were also present on the occassion.
PM Sharif laid a wreath and offered Fateha at the memorial of Maj Aziz Bhatti, who was given the highest military award, the Nishan-i-Haider, for his gallantry.
Major Aziz Bhatti Shaheed sacrificed his life while defending Pakistani outpost on the strategic BRBCanal.
The national anthem was played and one-minute silence was observed to pay tribute to the martyrs of Pakistan.
Later, the PM met with Major Aziz Bhatti Shaheed’s family members and other local people. Sharif also visited the family of former Punjab home minister Shuja Khanzada to offer his condolences to the bereaved family.
Meanwhile, Pakistan Defence Day was observed across country with traditional zeal, enthusiasm and national spirit to pay homage to the martyrs and Ghazis of September 6, 1965 Indo-Pak War.
The day dawned with the special prayers in all the mosques for national solidarity, integrity, prosperity and peace.
In Sialkot, the main ‘Hilal-e-Istaqlal’ hoisting ceremony was held at historical Sialkot Fort under the auspices of Sialkot Tehsil Municipal Administration (TMA).
Station Commander, Brig Naeem Akbar Qazi, DCO Dr Asif Tufail, MPAs Ch Muhammad Ikram, Mansha Ullah Butt and elite of the town were present on the occasion.
Hilal-e-Istaqlal was conferred upon to the people of Sialkot, who wrote a golden history of bravery by sacrificing their lives to defend the motherland near Sialkot during the September 6, 1965 Indo-Pak War.
