Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif Tuesday said the people of Pakistan have full faith in democracy and believe that a strong defence and stable democracy are essential for the country. Addressing senior army officers here during his visit to the Pakistan Army General Headquarters in Rawalpindi, he said Pakistan is a democratic and peace-loving country and wants stability in the world.
The PM said the nation held Pakistan Army in the highest esteem as they had always shown professional excellence in times of war and peace. Talking to Army Chief General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, the PM said Pakistan Army had set an historic example by sacrificing lives for defending the motherland. "Those who have fought for Pakistan, Ghazis (living) and Shaheeds (martyred), have sacrificed their today for ensuring a better tomorrow for our future generations and all of them are our benefactors," a statement released from the Prime Minister House quoted the PM as saying. Nawaz Sharif said he had utmost confidence in the professional capabilities of Pakistan Army. He expressed the hope that "Insha Allah Pakistan would soon be recognised as a peaceful and developed country among the comity of nations."
Prime Minister Sharif said each soldier of Pakistan Army entered the battle-field with a passion to lay his life for the country and desired of attaining martyrdom. "It is this passion and high morale that is the biggest strength of our forces. Those who have laid their lives in the fight against terrorism would be remembered forever," the PM said.
Chief of Army Staff and Principal Staff Officers briefed the PM regarding operational environment, spectrum of threat, national security issues, contributions of Pakistan Army in nation building, support to civil administration in law and order situation and natural calamities.
Prime Minister was also apprised on engagements of Army battalions at border areas of Pakistan and the level of preparedness against external and internal threats. After the briefing, the PM visited various sections of the General Headquarters and expressed satisfaction. Minister for Finance Ishaq Dar, Minister for Interior Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan and Special Assistant to PM Tariq Fatemi also accompanied the Prime Minister.