Prime Minister Imran Khan has categorically said that Pakistan will neither fight anyone else's war, nor will it ever become part of such wars. Addressing the main ceremony of Defense and Martyrs Day here at General Headquarters (GHQ) on Thursday night, Prime Minister Khan said that national foreign policy will be in the best interests of the nation.
Rejecting the impressions of civil-military divide, the Prime Minister said both are on same page regarding the issues faced by the country. He said, "Our armed forces are our asset and source of pride."
He said, "Our army is the only functioning institution in the country, for the simple reason that there is no political interference and all things are run on merit."
Appreciating the role of security forces and intelligence agencies in making the country safer against all threats, the Prime Minister said the way Pakistani forces fought against the scourge of terrorism is unparallel.
The Prime Minister said despite numerous challenges, Pakistan will become a great nation of the world by strengthening of institutions and promoting meritocracy. He said the government will bring meritocracy and transparency in all sectors by following the golden principles of the state of Medina.
The Prime Minister said Pakistan is endowed with immense resources and "we are rich with minerals, diverse topography and four seasons and the only need is working honestly to realize the goal of making the country great."
Earlier to his address, the Prime Minister together with the Army Chief laid a floral wreath on the Martyrs' Monument.
Addressing the ceremony, Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa said the armed forces will continue their efforts to make Pakistan a cradle of peace.
He said, "We strengthened our defense in conventional war, but now a wave of unconventional warfare like terrorism has changed the battlefield."
He further said, "The foes of Pakistan had imposed terrorism on us, but we very successfully and valiantly fought this menace. Our houses, schools, worship places and leaders were attacked in order to weaken us. Over 70,000 Pakistanis were either martyred or injured in the war on terror."
The Army Chief said continuity of democracy is imperative for country's development and presence of leadership of various political parties in the ceremony is a testimony that democracy has taken roots in Pakistan.
The Army Chief thanked the people of Karachi, FATA and Balochistan for their cooperation in fighting militancy. He said lively nations never forget their martyrs, adding, "Our soldiers sacrificed their today for us and their blood will not go in vain."
He, however, said the war is still continuing and "we will have to ensure enduring peace, besides working for the development and progress of the country." The Army Chief proposed that war against poverty and hunger should also continue.
General Bajwa said, "This day reminds us the sacrifices and courage of our soldiers in the war of 1965. Our soldiers jumped into fire but did not compromise on security of the country. The tales of bravery and sacrifices in that war have become our history." He further said the entire nation is more determined and united than ever.
Remembering sacrifices of the people of Indian Occupied Kashmir, General Bajwa paid glowing tribute to their sacrifices in their struggle against the Indian oppression. He also thanked the Prime Minister, federal ministers, politicians, diplomats, and families of martyrs for attending the ceremony.
Besides families of martyrs, Chairman Senate Sadiq Sanjrani, Speaker National Assmbly Asad Qaiser, Defense Minister Pervez Khattak, Finance Minister Asad Umar, Railways Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed, Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry, some other members of the federal cabinet, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Zubair Hayat, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi, Air Chief Marshal Mujahid Anwar Khan, Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) President Shahbaz Sharif, some other lawmakers, foreign dignitaries and celebrities including Shahid Afridi and Jahangir Khan, among others attended the ceremony.
Comments
Comments are closed.