Rawalpindi: Taking note of recent anti-Pakistan rhetoric by Indian politicians, Army chief General Raheel Sharif warned today that Pakistan will defeat their designs and defend Pakistan’s territorial integrity at any cost.

“No one should dare cast an evil eye on Pakistan,” the army chief was quoted as saying by DG ISPR Asim Bajwa. A high-level huddle of the top military commanders at the General Headquarters in Rawalpindi warned India, not to resort to any ‘misadventure’ against Pakistan.

The stern warning from the top brass came hours after Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Rajyavardhan Rathore warned that Indian strikes in Myanmar were a message to all countries, including Pakistan and groups harboring ‘terror intent’ that India would strike at the ‘place and at a time’ of its choosing.

Taking strong exception to a series of threats from India, formation commanders’ conference presided over by Army Chief General Raheel Sharif made it clear, Pakistan was ready to defeat Indian ‘designs’ and defend the territorial integrity. “The forum took serious notice of the recent Indian hostile rhetoric coupled with covert and overt actions to destabilize Pakistan,” the military’s media wing said.
It was termed as  highly regrettable that Indian politicians not only indulge in actions that are in violation of the United Nations’ Charter, but also take pride in claiming their interference in the internal affairs of other states, it added.

The forum was given comprehensive briefings on security environment and professional issues.
The army chief’s statement comes at a time of verbal exchange between the two countries.

During his visit to Bangladesh, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi not only accused Pakistan of spreading terrorism in India, but also admitted that India had played a part in the break-up of Pakistan in 1971.

In his address, the army chief while recounting the successes of security forces in Operation Zarb-e-Azb, paid rich tributes to the officers and men for phenomenal successes in the operation and sacrifices they have rendered, for the defence of the motherland. He said, terrorists have been cleared and dislodged from their strongholds in North Waziristan and Khyber Agency. The fight is now is moving into last few pockets close to Afghan border.

Laying emphasis on continuation of operations till elimination of the last expected and probable terrorists groups and sanctuaries, he exhorted commanders to take all measures to prevent escape of trapped terrorists, “With entire nation standing behind, we will remain focused on achieving the objective of a terror free and peaceful Pakistan,” he upheld.

Underscoring Pakistan’s multiple and complicated challenges, General Raheel  expressed his optimism, saying that the nation is the most resilient nation in the world and is already on its way to emerge victorious out of these testing times. “Our main collective aim is to make Pakistan a secure, strong and prosperous country,” he said.

Earlier, Army chief General Raheel Sharif assured Chinese authorities today that there would be no hurdles in the completion of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.

The army chief said maximum security has been put in place for the completion of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. General Raheel’s statement, during a meeting with Chinese Vice Minister of Ministry of State Security Dong Haizhou at the General Headquarters in Rawalpindi. “Matters relating to bilateral interest, regional security and security of CPEC came under discussion during the meeting,” an Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) statement said.