ISLAMABAD, March 23: President Mamnoon Hussain Thursday terming Pakistan’s defence as “impregnable” said the country’s conventional and nuclear capabilities were meant to ensure global and regional peace.
Addressing at the Pakistan Day parade here at the Shakarparian Parade Ground, the President said the country’s defence was strong and expressed resolve to make every effort for the progress, prosperity and solidarity of the homeland.
The event was attended by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, three services chiefs, ministers and parliamentarians. Chief of South African National Defence Forces General Solly Zacharia, ambassadors and military representatives of friendly countries also joined as special guests.The highlight of the parade was the first-time participation of the tri-services contingents of China’s People Liberation Army, Saudi Arabia’s Special Forces and Turkey’s Mehtar Band in the parade along with Pakistani troops.
President Mamnoon said Pakistan wanted peaceful and friendly
relations with its neighbours, however regretted that the irresponsible attitude of India and its continuous violation at Line of Control and Working Boundary had put the region’s peace at risk.
“Pakistan is ready to hold negotiations with India and also wants to resolve the issue of Kashmir in accordance with the resolutions of United Nations,” he stressed.
He termed Kashmir an “unfinished agenda of the sub-continent’s partition,” and said Pakistan would continue to extend moral, political and diplomatic support to its Kashmiri brethren.
He urged upon the international community to fulfill its obligation in this regard so as to realize the dream of regional stability and sustainable peace.
The President felicitated the audience on Pakistan Day and said the occasion narrated an account of determination and faith which gave strength to the Muslims of sub-continent to change the history and geography of the world under the prudent leadership of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.
“On this day, a direction-less nation discovered its ideological identity and left a lasting imprint on global scenario with the creation of Pakistan,” he said.
The President paid tributes to those who sacrificed their lives for Pakistan and its stability and said their footsteps would be followed to uphold the country’s sovereignty.
President Mamnoon mentioned that Pakistan was fighting the menace of terrorism for the last several years and lauded the courageous services of the country’s armed forces and law enforcement agencies.
“It is the sacrifices of our Shaheeds and Ghazis that has made Pakistan stronger than before,” he said. The President categorically said that Operation Radd-ul-Fasaad launched after the Operation Zarb-e-Azb, would continue till complete elimination of terrorists.
The Parade venue was adorned with huge murals of Quaid-e-Azam and other national heroes. The event demonstrated a military display of high-grade weaponry, tanks and armoured vehicles. Various floats depicting the cultural diversity of the country were also showcased. -DNA
