Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif has said that operation Zarb-e-Azb had a great positive effect on Pakistan's security environment and it would continue until the country gets rid of the menace of terrorism. He was addressing at a dinner reception held in his honour and his delegation by Pakistan High Commissioner to UK Syed Ibne Abbas at his residence 'Pakistan House' in London, said a press release received here on Thursday.
He expressed resolve to bring the displaced families of Fata back to their homes, adding Pakistan was passing through defining moments. "Pakistan has great future; we have given great sacrifices and it is time for Pakistan to move on, have peace and stability and make economic progress," the Chief of Army Staff said. He termed China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) a game changer and said it would benefit not only Pakistan but the entire region.
The CoAS said Pakistan wanted good neighbourly relations with India but with dignity and honour. Speaking about Pakistan-UK bilateral relations, the CoAS said the two countries had historical relations and military to military linkages with each other were strengthening. General Raheel Sharif thanked the British Pakistani community for their support in these testing times as well as showing an understanding of the challenges faced by Pakistan.
The High Commissioner, in his address, welcomed the CoAS and his delegation at the dinner. He also appreciated the successful Operation Zarb-e-Azb under the leadership of General Raheel Sharif. "The courage with which the armed forces and the people of Pakistan are fighting this menace is unparalleled," said the High Commissioner. He further said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, Pakistan was moving ahead in all fields as a confident nation.
He said "the Prime Minister's vision of peaceful neighbourhood is the guiding principle of our policy and we believe in strengthening ties through trade and investment." In that regard, CPEC was vital for development and prosperity of the region, he added. The High Commissioner said UK was a close friend and development partner of Pakistan, adding that friendship, he said, was further strengthened by our vibrant diaspora.
He said frequent bilateral visits of the political and military leadership of the two countries provided further impetus to the existing relationships. The dinner was attended by Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, Lords, MPs, MEPs, British military and civil service officers, business leaders, Pakistani community and media representatives.
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