KARACHI - Chief of the Army Staff, General Ashfaq Pervez Kayani, has said that Pakistan is confronted with multifaceted challenges, which are complex, diverse and intense in their nature, but having full support of the nation, armed forces will succeed in their fight against terrorism. Addressing the 91st Officers Commissioning Parade of Pakistan Navy at Pakistan Naval Academy here Friday, he said the country stands committed to global and regional peace and wishes to live in peace and harmony with its neighbours. We are not for any arms race but will maintain balance through a strategy of minimum credible deterrence. Strong armed forces of Pakistan are guarantor of peace and stability, he noted. General Kayani said while external threat to Pakistan continues to exist it is internal threat that merits immediate attention. Forces of extremism and terrorism pose a threat to our national security and stability but armed forces are fully prepared to fight this menace. He paid tribute to soldiers who laid down their lives in recent operations. He assured in line with its proud traditions, armed forces will never flinch whenever the nation gives it a call. General Kayani urged commissioning officers to uphold trust and confidence which nation has reposed in them. He felicitated commissioning officers particularly those who displayed excellent performances and won prizes. Speaking on the occasion, Commandant Pakistan National Academy, Commodore Muhammad Hisham, said a total of 80 midshipmen were being commissioned after two years rigorous training. Besides Pakistan, cadets from Kazakhstan, Maldives, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, the Sudan and Yemen also received training at the Academy. Later, Army Chief gave prizes to winners. Midshipman Zeeshan Zafar was awarded Sword of Honour for overall best performance. Academy Dirk went to Midshipman Sohaib Leghari, Quaid-e-Azam and Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee Gold Medals clinched by Sub Lieutenant Asif Raza and Cadet Syed Muhammad Arsalan respectively. Main Top Squardron was recipient of Proficiency Banner. The ceremony was attended by large number of senior officers from the three armed forces, diplomats and relatives of commissioning officers.