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Pakistan fully capable of responding to any threat: COAS
KAKUL: Chief of Army Staff General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani Saturday said that Pakistan is fully capable of responding effectively to any threat and added that despite the current focus on internal security, the armed forces remain fully prepared to defeat an external direct threat,
"Pakistan is a peace loving country. Our quest for peace is essentially based on a genuine desire to improve our lot and that of our future generations. Let no one see it as a weakness," he made thee remarks while addressing Graduating Cadets of 127th PMA Long Course, Integrated Course 46 and Mujahid Course-1 here at Pakistan Military Academy.
The COAS said, "We have exercised restraint in the face of some very belligerent statements in recent months. Let it suffice to say that Pakistan is fully capable of responding effectively to any threat. Despite our current focus on internal security, we remain fully prepared to defeat an external direct threat."
He said let there be no doubt that with a strong Pak Army and the nation standing with it united, no harm can ever come to Pakistan.
Gen. Kayani said that in its short history, the country has overcome many a challenges that would have overwhelmed lesser nations.
He expressed the confidence that the nation can do it again.
The COAS said, "We are going through difficult times, but so has every other successful nation at some time in their history."
Pak Army is fully committed to the cause and as always standing with the nation.
He assured that the nation will succeed if it remains committed to the basis for creation of Pakistan and remain steadfast as a nation.
He reminded that Pakistan was created in the name of Islam and Islam can never ever be taken out of Pakistan.
However, Islam should always remain a unifying force.
He said that regardless of odds, Pakistan Army will keep on doing its best towards its common dream for a truly Islamic Republic of Pakistan envisioned by the Quaid-e-Azam and Allama Iqbal.
He said he felt honoured and privileged to review the Passing Out Parade, today.
"This day marks the culmination of your basic military training at an Institution which stands out with distinction amongst the leading military academies of the world."
He felicitated the cadets for becoming part of the great institution that is Pakistan Army.
Gen. Kayani also congratulated the graduating cadets of brotherly Islamic Countries; Palestine, Sudan and Turkmenistan.
The COAS also extend his special commendations to the Champion Company and those who have won awards of excellence.
He said that it is their first and foremost responsibility to maintain these standards.
"I have full trust that you will never hesitate to always place your Country, Pak Army and your men before your own selves."
He asked the cadets that they have become part of an institution where nothing else but their own merit will be the sole consideration for career progression.
"Be ambitious. There is nothing wrong with it, but the only way to achieve your ambitions is through hard work. There is no shortcut to it. Do have a dream and always aim high."
He urged them to take pride in excellence in whatever they do, as this is the best source of personal satisfaction.
The COAS awarded sword of honour for the overall best cadet of the 127 Long course to Battalion Senior Under Officer Syed Awais Iftikhar, President's Gold Medal for the overall second best cadet to Battalion Senior Under Officer, Hassan Javed, Chief of Army Staff Overseas Gold Medal for the best Allied Cadet to Allied Under Officer Muhsin Basheer Mohamed Saeed Elzaki, Chief of Army Staff Cane for the best Gentleman Cadet of Integrated Course-46 to Course Under Officer, Muhammad Asad Ali and Commandant's Cane for the best cadet of Mujahid Course I, Course Under Officer Muhammad Adnan.
Earlier, Major General Sadiq Ali, Commandant Pakistan Military Academy, welcomed the Chief of Army Staff when he arrived in the Parade Ground.
The diplomats, senior military officers, parents and relatives of the passing out cadets witnessed the passing out parade.
APPCourtesy www.geo.tv