Pakistan a peace-loving country: Kayani

Chief of Army Staff (CoAS) General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani on Friday said that Pakistan is a peace loving nation and focus of its armed forces always remained on defending and serving the country. "We are a peace loving nation and harbor no aggressions towards anyone but at the same time we value our freedom and independence more than anything else."
He made these remarks while addressing participants of launching ceremony of book on Major Shabir Sharif Shaheed's heroic life as military officer, held at General Headquarters (GHQs) here. The CoAS said that armed forces are fully prepared to ensure sovereignty and dignity of the country. Appreciating the role and sacrifices of young officers of Pakistan army during the war against terrorism, he said, "The young officers have set examples for us and we should acknowledge the dedication of our brave soldiers who are taking pride by laying their lives for the nation."
He said the ratio of martyred officers and soldiers is 1-10 which reflects their resolve and commitment. General Kayani also paid tribute to Major Shabir Sharif Shaheed (Nishan-e-Haider) and termed him one of the most courageous military officers and symbol of bravery and valour for the new generation.
He also appreciated the writer who highlighted several aspect of life and role of Major Shabir Sharif Shaheed (NH). He said Colonel (Retd) Azam Qadri has made the epic life of the legendary solider more memorable than ever through his remarkable effort of collecting and compiling the shining moments of Major Shabir's career. Speaking on the occasion, other speakers also paid tribute to Major Shabir Sharif Shaheed and threw light on his achievement. The book "What more can a solider desire" is a candid account of Major Shabir's acts of valour and bravery he displayed throughout his military career and during the two Pakistan-India wars of 1965 and 1971.
Major Shabir embraced Shahadat on December 6, 1971 while firing and engaging the Indian tanks in the Sulemanki Sector. Portion of the book is based upon the letters that Major Shabir wrote to the author, which contain and enumerate not only some historic facts about the Pakistan-India war of 1965, but also present a good reflection of his day-to-day life, as well as his personality. The book not only galvanises the desire of achievement, but also portrays the parts of Major Shabir Sharif's life in a novel and impressive way.