President and Prime Minister urge nation to unite against terrorism, extremism

President General Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz Wednesday urged the nation to unite against the forces of retrogressive and counter the challenges confronted by the country from terrorism and extremism.
In their separate messages of Defence Day, both president and prime minister termed terrorism and extremism biggest challenge being confronted by country, urging the nation to stand united and show spirit, commitment and the dedication shown during 1965 war to defeat extremism, terrorism and the forces of retrogressive for a bright future of Pakistan.
In his message, President General Musharraf, while reiterating his resolve to fight terrorism and extremism emphasised on the nation to work together for making Pakistan a dynamic and prosperous country. President said the nation was faced with grave internal threats by handful forces of extremism, militancy and obscurantism.
"The people of Pakistan desire a bright future and pledge to move ahead as an enlightened, moderate and progressive nation, for a country that is politically stable, as well as economically and militarily strong," he said.
Musharraf said this objective could only be achieved by defeating the retrogressive forces. "In keeping with the lofty traditions and professional excellence, the Armed Forces of Pakistan are helping the nation in combating the threat of terrorism, for which they deserve not only plaudits, but total support of the people," the President said.
The President said there was a need for unity and solidarity in the country to meet the challenges it was facing. "I therefore urge all Pakistanis to revive in themselves the spirit of 1965, and resolve to make Pakistan a truly dynamic, prosperous and democratic welfare state for the present and future generations," President Musharraf said.
The President said the Defence Day of Pakistan was observed every year with solemnity and reverence to commemorate the unparalleled show of unity, courage and supreme sacrifices rendered by the Pakistani nation and its valiant Armed Forces, who stood steadfast against overwhelming odds and thwarted nefarious designs of the adversary.
Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz in his message said, "Pakistan is at a critical juncture of its history and once again the need of the hour is that the nation stands united and show spirit, commitment and the dedication reminiscent of 1965."
The Prime Minister said the nation was proud of the feats of courage, valour and patriotism shown by country's valiant men 42 years ago. He said that the country had witnessed unprecedented economic progress, and the Armed Forces developed into a strong force capable of defeating threat to territorial integrity of the country.
"It is important to remember that Armed Forces are guarantor of the nation's security and the government will ensure that they are provided the capability to defeat all kind of threats."
The Prime Minister said the Defence Day reminds of the indomitable courage of the people and the armed forces of Pakistan in thwarting nefarious designs of an enemy five times of its size and equipped with much superior weapons. He paid tribute to the armed forces and paid homage to the Shuhada, who rendered their lives for the defence of motherland. "The war of 1965 proved that we as a nation can rise to the occasion and proved our mettle."