Pakistan is unconquerable, Army chief warns enemies

RAWALPINDI: Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Raheel Sharif has stated that nation would not let go in vain the sacrifices of the Army and the civilians in the War of 1965. Army Chief further stated that Pakistan’s enemies must realize that the country was strong even before, and now it has turned unconquerable.

“I want to make it clear to all enemies of Pakistan that Pakistan has always been strong and today it is invincible,” he stated this while addressing a gathering in connection with Defence Day at GHQ on Tuesday to pay tribute to the national heroes, who sacrificed their lives for the country.

He said that the armed forces are fully capable to defend Pakistan in conventional and non-conventional warfare, and in any internal or external threat. He said Pakistan wants good relations with all the neighboring countries on the basis of equality and mutual respect. The key to regional peace is balance of power.

He said China-Pakistan Economic Corridor is the symbol of mutual respect for countries, which will ensure progress not only in Pakistan but also in the entire region. He said the security and timely completion of CPEC is the national duty, and no power will be allowed to disrupt it. He said that Kashmir is the jugular vein of Pakistan, and the country will continue extending moral and diplomatic support to the Kashmiris for their right to self-determination.

He said that it was the day to commemorate not only the martyrs of September 6 but also the sacrifices of those who bravely fought and won the unconventional war against terrorism over the last decade. “A few years ago, Pakistan’s defences were under threat. North Waziristan was the hub of terrorists. But I always knew that Pakistan could fight the war and come out as the winner and we did”, he added. He said that Pakistan army named the operation against the terrorists after the Sword of Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) a sword that could only be lifted to put brutality to an end.

COAS also paid rich tribute to the paramilitary forces and security agencies including Rangers, Levies, FC and others along with Pakistan army for fighting the war against terror. “Our brave soldiers conducted 19,000 operations inside the country. For others it might be a war against terrorism but for us it is a war for our survival and we’ll go to any limits in order to secure our country”, he said.

General Raheel Sharif added, however, that the national security of Pakistan was still being threatened from inside and outside of Pakistan. He said that the nexus of corruption and terrorism was a serious threat to the country and could only be fought with the help of a unified strategy on part of all the institutions of the country.

“While the security forces are doing their best on the front against terrorism, still there are certain elements within the society that are trying to discourage the armed forces”, he said. Talking about Pakistan’s relationship with Afghanistan, he said that Pakistan was sincere with its neighbor and brotherly Islamic country.

He added that there were certain elements, completely unfaithful to Afghanistan, trying to thwart the attempts at restoring peace in Afghanistan. He added that Pakistan was completely aware of whatever overt and coverts conspiracies its enemies were hatching against it and reiterated the resolve to thwart all attempts at damaging Pakistan.

“Pakistan knows how to keep friendships and deal with the enemies. China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is a clear example. Pakistan will deal with an iron fist with any threat to this project”, he said.

COAS saluted the people of Balochistan and their resilience. He said that the determination of the Baloch people against terrorism was a morale booster for the army as well. “I want to let the enemy know that we know how to win and we also know how to sustain our victory”, he said.

Earlier, renowned singers Ali Zafar and Atif Aslam took the stage and paid tribute to martyrs of the 1965 War, singing national and military songs. Later, a guard-of-honour and salute was presented to the Army chief by a contingent of Army jawans on the occasion. The ceremony was largely attended by the elite, including services chiefs, cabinet members, bureaucrats, military officers and others.