- PM Nawaz says wars no longer an exclusive sphere of military forces
Prime Minister Muhammad Muhammad Nawaz Sharif on Tuesday said that cooperation rather than conflict was the hallmarks of Pakistan’s policy of maintaining friendly relations with other countries, particularly its neighbours.
Addressing the passing out parade of graduates here at the PAF Asghar Khan Academy here, he said that Pakistan despite its desire for peaceful coexistence was not oblivious to its duties. He said that concept of the national security has undergone a transformation and wars were no longer an exclusive sphere of military forces.
As long as nations strive to preserve their way of life, ideological identity and economic interests, wars would continue to be waged in different domains, he said. He urged the young graduates to dedicate their energies to make Pakistan fully secure and a well defended country. “The whole nation stands behind you,” he said.
He said that shared prosperity rather than mutual suspicion should be among defining features. For its part, Pakistan will never hesitate to extend the hand of friendship to all and shall never waver from returning goodwill with even more goodwill, he said. “This is in line with the vision of our founding father,” he said.
The prime minister said that Pakistan’s armed forces were fully capable and prepared to respond to any spectrum of threats. The recent security operations have brought tremendous improvement in the internal security environment, he said. The Pakistan Air Force alongside guarding the air space has played a critical role in Zarb-e-Azb operation, he said.
Nawaz said that true to its tradition of defending national interests at every frontier, the PAF has given an excellent account of itself in the fight against terror. The nation has full trust in the country’s armed forces, and assured of full support in equipping the force to address modern day challenges, he said.
“The nation acknowledges and commends the valour and outstanding professionalism exhibited by the PAF and it’s leadership at all tiers.” The prime minister extended his profound congratulations to the graduating cadets and the faculty for maintaining highest standards of excellence and professionalism.
“You are today inheriting the mantle of past heroes, who despite being outgunned and outnumbered, defended this land with exemplary courage and with no regard for their own safety,” he said. He said that there was no shortcut to success, but hard work.
Earlier, he awarded badges to the successful graduates of 137 GD(P), 83 engineering, 93 air defence, 18 A&SD, six navigation and two logistics courses. The prime minister along with Chief of Air Staff Sohail Aman witnessed the march past.
Minister for Defence Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Iqbal Zafar Jhagra, diplomats and parents attended the event that concluded with a spectacular aerobatics show by the Sherdil team of the air force.
