ISLAMABAD: The President of Pakistan Dr Arif Alvi on Thursday, while extending message of goodwill to the neighbouring nations, stated that the country had achieved self-reliance in defence, saying that the regional countries must join hands for the common cause of eradicating poverty and bringing prosperity in the people’s lives.

While addressing the joint armed forces parade held here, the president maintained that Pakistan’s intentions must not be misconstrued as its weakness saying, “In case of any misadventure, Pakistan is capable of thwarting it with full force.”

The event was graced by the Defense Minister Pervaiz Khattak, senior military officials and foreign diplomats.

The March 23rd Pakistan Day parade, which was rescheduled to March 25 due to inclement weather, was attended by civil and military leaders, parliamentarians and foreign dignitaries.

Prime Minister Imran Khan could not attend the ceremony after he was tested positive for Covid-19 five days ago.

President Alvi said Pakistan believed in promoting cooperation in south Asia, which was already facing hindrance in development due to conflicts and discords.

He reiterated Pakistan’s support for the people living in the Indian occupied Kashmir (IoK), saying that Pakistan would not abandon them in any case.

The president said not only Pakistan but the whole world was concerned about the treatment meted out to the innocent people by the Indian army and other forces.

“Whatever is happening in Kashmir, it has become a human tragedy.”

He reminded the world that the resolution of Kashmir dispute was under the resolutions of the United Nations resolutions.

“The whole Pakistani nation is with the Kashmiri people and will continue to stand by them,” Alvi said to Kashmiris.

He urged the international community to take notice of the Kashmir situation and play its role in ensuring regional peace.

The president, while commenting on regional peace and development, said “The goal of national and regional development can only be achieved in the environment of peace and by refraining from all kinds of aggression and exploitation.”

The president felicitated the nation on Pakistan Day, saying the occasion was a reminder to renew the pledges of religious, cultural, and fundamental freedoms.

Dr Alvi lauded the armed forces for their valour and bravery in defending the frontiers of the country, and rendering immense sacrifices for the safety of the nation.

They remained ever-ready in dealing with the challenges, might it be terrorism, natural calamities or disasters.

“From barren deserts to the high-altitude Siachen and the vast skies to the depth of oceans, our armed forces are acting as a strong defence line,” he said.

The president mentioned the complete eradication of terrorist networks by the armed forces through Operation Raddul Fasaad that restored normalcy across the country.

The president also hailed the friendship with China, saying, “China is Pakistan’s true friend and bilateral relationship between the two countries is strengthening in all spheres including defence and security.

“Pakistan is extremely grateful to the government and people of China for the gift of coronavirus vaccine,” he said.

President Alvi said Pakistan sacrificed a lot for peace in Afghanistan and had always supported such efforts, adding, “The world has acknowledged Pakistan in this regard.”

The president said Pakistan had good relations with Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and the Gulf states, and called for strengthening the Organisation of Islamic Countries (OIC) to fight the rising wave of Islamophobia.

Recalling Pakistan’s efforts, Dr Alvi said, “We will continue to play our role in strengthening OIC like forums.”

Copyright Business Recorder, 2021