Pakistan’s desire for peace must not be taken as weakness, says PM

–Abbasi says ‘certain extremist elements that are abated externally are at play to disrupt our peace and harmony’

— Says Pakistan shall tackle adversities with unity and keeping national interest supreme

KARACHI: Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi said on Saturday that Pakistan believes in peaceful co-existence “but our desire for peace must not be construed as weakness”.

He was addressing 108th Midshipmen and 17th Short Service Commission Course passing out parade at Pakistan Naval Academy here.

He said that Pakistan Navy is fully prepared and committed to make the defence of our maritime borders impregnable.

“The people of this region deserve a better quality of life, progress and prosperity. This dream can only come true if a policy of cooperation and coherence is followed,” said Abbasi.

The PM said that in the current security scenario, certain extremist elements that are abated externally are at play to disrupt our peace and harmony.

“Zarb-e-Azb and Radd-ul-Fasaad are not merely operations but the manifestations of a resolve and the commitment of the nation to cleanse Pakistan of the scourge of terrorism,” the PM stated.

Lauding the role of Pakistan’s armed forces he said that the armed forces are at the forefront playing an important role in harmony with other state institutions.

He said that the Pakistan Navy is rapidly developing its indigenous capabilities and pursuing it with greater vigour.

The PM assured that Pakistan is in safe hands, adding that Pakistan shall tackle adversities with unity and keeping the national interest supreme.

He added, “Pakistan shall rise and stand tall with grace and dignity.”

While addressing the officers being commissioned, the PM remarked the officers must serve the nation and Pakistan Navy with devotion and commitment. He said that the officers who are being commissioned have proved themselves worthy of a noble, demanding and honourable profession that awaits them.

The PM remarked that commissioning is a defining moment in their life that they will always cherish. He further said that as guardians of sea frontiers, they have to measure up to the expectations of the nation.

He advised the young officers on the importance of being a leader by saying that as leaders of men they will be expected to lead with their conduct, character, integrity, knowledge and foresight. A leader is also open to new ideas, composes calm in face of adversity and has the trust of those he leads. He said that the officers must ensure the interest of states remain over and above any individual of any federation.

Lauding the role of Pakistan Navy, the PM remarked that the Pakistan Naval Academy since its inception has trained a large number of naval cadets from friendly countries.

Earlier on his arrival at Academy, Naval Chief Admiral Zafar Mehmood Abbasi received the Prime Minister. The PM was also presented guard of honour at the start of the parade.

Total of one hundred and twenty-nine cadets were passed out including cadets from friendly countries of Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Maldives, Bahrain and Qatar.