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Whole nation stands behind army: Nawaz
* PM says state providing defence forces all possible resources despite financial constraints * Hails Gen Raheel Sharif for ‘professionalism, patriotism, dedication’
By Abdul Khaliq Qureshi and Sardar Sikandar Shaheen
KAKUL/ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Saturday said that the whole nation was standing united behind its armed forces and the state, despite financial problems, was providing the defence forces with all the possible resources to make the country’s defence invincible.
Addressing the participants of a passing out parade of the 129th Pakistan Military Academy (PMA) Long Course, 48th Integrated Course and 3rd Mujahid Course, the prime minister told the newly graduated cadets that the profession of arms demanded – by its very nature – unquestioned spirit of allegiance and sacrifice, embodied in the oath they had all taken on the day.
“But don’t you ever forget, your nation will stand united behind you. The state, despite calls of economy and austerity, is providing the defence forces all possible resources needed for making the defence of the country impregnable,” he added.
The prime minister said that a credible defence system could not be sustained without a strong economy and rule of law, besides containment of terrorism. He urged that they would have to work together as a nation to achieve these goals.
The prime minister, felicitating the cadets and their parents, said that the day signalled the beginning of the practical lives of the commissioned officers in the army.
He also lauded the excellence of the military academy, its faculty members and staff by saying, “Your professional competence and concern for training and welfare of your under-command will earn you their respect and leadership. We all know that your soldiers will smilingly offer the greatest sacrifice under your command.”
He said that the Pakistan Military Academy is rightfully considered a veritable cradle of leadership.
“It is here, that the art of transformation is perfected and raw youth are shaped into self-assured and responsible army officers. It is here, that the trainees imbibe the best values of life to develop into sterling characters. Therefore, the standards set here must serve as the touchstones for all officers,” he added.
He told the graduates that they were duty-bound to uphold the glorious traditions “through the strength of your character, commitment and perseverance”.
The prime minister further told them that during all tests and temptations, they should not forget that the nation reposed enormous trust in them. “It trusts you and admires you. Therefore, you must prove yourselves equal to that trust and admiration by being a symbol of steadfastness and uprightness,” he added. Referring to the commendable services of the chief of army staff, the prime minister told the cadets that they must also keep in mind the lives and conduct of officers like General Raheel Sharif, who are only known for their professionalism, patriotism, dedication and commitment to their motherland.
He further observed that technological innovations were the order of the day, which were changing the very lifestyle with noticeable impacts.
“While the duty of the government is to provide for the means and resources for defence, it is incumbent upon you to keep yourself abreast of the latest technology and make yourself adept at operating new weapons of war,” he said. Seven passed out cadets from the 129th Long course were foreigners; four from Bahrain and three from Palestine, military sources said. On the occasion, the COAS Gold Medal/Sword of Honour went to Cadet Islam whereas the passing-out cadets of Hamza Company received Quaid-i-Azam Flag from the PM.
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk