KAKUL - Army Chief General Raheel Sharif vowed Saturday to thwart any aggression against the country, declaring solution to Kashmir problem in accordance with the wishes of Kashmiri people as enshrined in the UN resolutions key to lasting peace in the region.
In a thinly-veiled warning to arch rival India after a spate of deadly cross-border firing incidents in the disputed Kashmir region, General Raheel Sharif said Pakistan Army was fully capable of deterring and defeating aggression across the entire spectrum of threats.
“We persistently seek peace in the region and beyond. Quest for peace is our nation’s greatest strength. Pakistan desires regional stability and relationship based on equality and mutual respect,” Gen Raheel said while speaking at the passing-out parade of Pakistan Military Academy here.
“Sentiments of goodwill and amity notwithstanding, let there be no doubt that any aggression against our beloved country will get a befitting response and no sacrifice will be too great in this sacred cause,” the army chief said, in an apparent swipe at India.
“Lasting peace in the region will only come about with the fair and just resolution of Kashmir issue,” the COAS said. Coercion and repression of the Kashmiri people would never shake their confidence to ultimately exercise their freedom of choice promised by the international community, he said.
He was of the firm belief that the determination of Kashmiri brethren and collective conscience of the free world would bear fruit and their aspirations would eventually be realised.
On home front, the army chief said the army was committed to true democratic values and rule of law like all devoted Pakistanis and it wants the country to prosper and earn its rightful place in the comity of nations in line with the vision of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. “We stand for these virtues in letter and spirit and any reservations about our intent are not only misplaced but also detrimental for the country,” he categorically stated.
He said by the Grace of Allah Almighty, Army today is highly experienced and battle hardened. “Be it external aggression, internal security, national building tasks or natural calamities such as floods and earthquakes, we have always lived up to the expectations of the nation. Our officers lead from the front.
This is our professional culture and proud tradition which is adequately reflected in our fight against terrorism, during which over four thousand officers and men have made the supreme sacrifice.” He told the cadets that now the Army reposes trust in them to carry forward this tradition.
Gen Raheel said Zarb-e-Azb is not merely an operation; it is a concept, a resolve and a commitment of the nation. The commitment is to cleanse Pakistan of the scourge of terrorism once and for all. Army is the cutting-edge of this resolve, a resolve that is currently evident in North Waziristan, where the military operations are delivering decisive results. Law enforcement agencies aided by intelligence agencies are also playing a commendable role in hunting down terrorists and their networks across the country, he said.
He said in view of the successes forces are achieving in NWA operation, the displaced people of Fata will be able to return to their homes sooner than expected. “On their return a new life of peace and prosperity shall Insha’Allah takes root.”
He however said that in order to bring about lasting peace in Fata and the country at large, cohesive, dedicated and timely involvement of all stakeholders and state institutions is essential.
Referring to Afghanistan, Gen Raheel said Pakistan sincerely pray that the new political dispensation in Afghanistan brings peace, stability and prosperity to the people of Afghanistan and the region at large. He assured that Pakistan Army in its capacity will do all that is necessary to support the Afghan security forces in every possible manner.
The COAS said the rapidly changing geopolitical environment and globally asserting no-state actors have put Pakistan in the centre stage. “In its wake it has brought numerous challenges and opportunities for Pakistan. This has put enormous burden of responsibility and deliverance on Army.”
He made it clear that army will never shy away from adversities as it has the resolve to face these squarely, which is the surest route to success.
He told the cadets it was their proud privilege to join Army at a time when they can play their part in shaping the course of history. He said Pakistan Army is truly a symbol of national unity and hope - thriving on the aspirations of the people of Pakistan.
“This has given us our character manifested in our professional ethos, courage, unflinching commitment and battle readiness.”
General Raheel Sharif on arrival at the Academy was presented guard of honour. He gave awards to the position holders. In all 1,200 cadets passed out, including 45 from friendly countries.