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Sunday, April 21, 2013
Pakistan’s restraint shouldn’t be taken as weakness: COAS* Kayani says Pakistan stands tall despite challenges
* Armed forces remain fully prepared to defeat any external direct threat
Staff Report
ABBOTTABAD: Chief of Army Staff Gen Ashfaq Parvez Kayani on Saturday said Pakistan has exercised restraint in the face of some very belligerent statements in recent months, but it should be suffice to say that the country is fully capable of responding effectively to any threat.
Addressing the graduating cadets of the 127th PMA Long Course, Integrated Course 46 and Mujahid Course-1 at the Pakistan Military Academy, the army chief said that despite the current focus on internal security, the armed forces remain fully prepared to defeat any external direct threat.
He said that in its short history, Pakistan had overcome many challenges that would have overwhelmed lesser nations. He said there should be no doubt that with a strong Pakistan Army and the nation standing with it united, no harm could ever come to the country.
“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.” The COAS said the country was going through difficult times, “but so has every other successful nation at some time in their history”.
He said that the army was fully committed to the cause and, as always, was stand with the nation.
He assured that the nation would succeed if it remained committed to the basis for creation of Pakistan and remained steadfast as a nation.
He said that regardless of odds, Pakistan Army would keep on doing its best towards its common dream for a truly Islamic Republic of Pakistan, envisioned by Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Allama Iqbal.
The army chief said he felt honoured and privileged to review the passing out parade. “This day marks the culmination of your basic military training at an institution that stands out with distinction amongst the leading military academies of the world.”
He urged the graduating cadets to take pride in excellence in whatever they do, as this was the best source of personal satisfaction. “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.” Gen Kayani also congratulate the graduating cadets of brotherly Islamic countries; Palestine, Sudan and Turkmenistan.
“I have full trust that you will never hesitate to always place your country, Pakistan Army and your men before your own selves.” Diplomats, senior military officers and parents and relatives of the passing out cadets witnessed the parade. app
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk