Only states can fight war, not individuals: Ahsan Iqbal

PESHAWAR: Federal Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal on Thursday said that war can only be fought by states, not by an individual.

While addressing the 25th passing out parade at Scouts Training Academy Warsak, the minister said that Pakistan has won the war against terrorism as peace has been restored to a great extent across the country.

“The ongoing military operation is the final nail in the coffin of terrorism,” Iqbal said.

The interior minister said the civil and military leadership had taken unanimous and bold decisions that proved very fruitful in establishing peace in the country to a great extent and as such Pakistan was progressing with each passing day and the confidence of foreign investors was restored after China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

According to the interior minister, Pakistan would join the club of 25 most economically developed nations by 2025 in the wake of CPEC opportunities gifted by the government for people of Pakistan. He that said political stability was imperative for economic progress and development.

Inspector General Frontier Corps North Major General Muhammad Wasim Ashraf was also present on the occasion.

Speaking on the occasion, the interior minister said the operations being conducted under ‘Radd-ul- Fassad’ against terrorists and their facilitators would prove the last nail in their coffin.

The minister said Operation Zarb-e-Azab had broken back of terrorists and established the writ of government in FATA.

Operations Radul Fasad and Zarb-e-Azab and the National Action Plan (NAP) have played a key role in the elimination of terrorism and establishment of durable peace in the country, he said, adding Operation Radd ul Fasaad will continue till elimination of the last terrorist in the country.

He said the government would ensure the security of lives and properties of people and no compromise would be made on this issue.

“The capacity of FC has been significantly enhanced under the National Action Plan that included the establishment of new wings in the paramilitary force and provision of basic training and modern equipment and weaponry,” the minister added.

He said that the present government had equipped FC with latest technologies and weaponry through a comprehensive reforms package and made it enable to meet the present-day challenges.

“I am hopeful that the government’s steps would certainly enhance the professional competence of FC and the force along with others law enforcement agencies would continue to play an active role in the elimination of terrorism and for establishing peace in the country. You are lucky to become part of a brave force that was engaged in defending the ideological and territorial borders of the country, which is a great honour for all of you” he told the passing out recruits.

“Those FC troops who sacrificed their lives for the defence of the country and protection of people lives are the real heroes of the country,” Ahsan Iqbal said.

Earlier, the minister was presented Guard of Honour. The smartly contingents made an impressive march past received warm applause from participants. A total of 608 recruits belonging to different areas were passed out on this occasion. The participants also appreciated the impressive PT and drill show of the recruits and applauded them.