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Wednesday, August 14, 2013
Forge consensus against terrorism* Kayani says war against terrorism could only be won if the entire nation unites on one strategy, leaving no confusion in the mind of forces as well as terrorists
KAKUL: Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Gen Ashfaq Parvez Kayani has called for creating a national consensus against terrorism and stressed for a swift implementation of strategy made to root out this menace.
Speaking at the Azadi Parade on Tuesday night, he said there could be two opinions regarding making a strategy to fight terrorism, “but to bow before this curse was not a solution”. He said that Pakistan’s armed forces have rendered sacrifices to overcome terrorism and even today they are standing shoulder to shoulder with the nation. The COAS said that this war could only be won when the entire nation unites on one strategy, so that there is no confusion in the mind of forces as well as the terrorists.
“As a nation we were not failed, neither would we fail for which we need blessings of Allah Almighty,” he said, adding that those who were creating confusion regarding the future of Pakistan were actually unable to understand the resolve and spirit of the Pakistani nation. “It is imperative that we think and understand by putting aside all religious, linguistic and regional differences to make our path easy,” he added.
The army chief made it clear that terrorists would never succeed in their nefarious designs because the nation had been facing this menace for the last 10 years without any fear. He said the terrorists could not succeed against such a brave nation. He gave the example of the entire nation casting votes during the general elections despite severe threats. Gen Kayani said that efforts of one or some institutions would not be sufficient to effectively overcome terrorism, rather each and every institution along with the entire society would have to strive against it.
“It would not be possible to overcome these threats unless the entire nation is united and on one page against it,” Kayani said. He stressed that the national interests would be the first priority. “We should not forget that independence was a gift and there were some responsibilities to maintain it,” he said. Gen Kayani said that individual benefits should not be allowed to negate national interests and we all should think about the welfare of the country and the nation.
The COAS said that all the countrymen were fully aware of the importance of Independence Day. The creation of Pakistan, he said, was not a coincidence but a fruit of the spirit and continuous struggle of our forefathers. He said that the objective behind the creation of Pakistan was not only to get a piece of land but to establish a welfare state and a society based on golden Islamic principles, where not only Muslims but minorities could also enjoy individual and religious freedom. Kayani asked the nation to come forward and vow to make Pakistan a welfare state and give the homeland a proper place among the comity of nations.
Earlier, addressing a gathering after inauguration of Centre for International Peace and Stability (CIPS) at the National University of Science and Technology (NUST), Kayani said that being a responsible nation Pakistan would continue its support for the establishment of peace in the world under the flag of United Nations. He said that Pakistan has always responded positively to the call of the United Nations for its global peacekeeping missions. He said that establishment of peace and resolution of conflicts in any part of the world ultimately contributes to international peace and stability.
About establishment of the International Institute of Peace and Stability, he said that the institute would help build capacity of Pakistan to further contribute in the global agenda of peacekeeping. The institute would be developed into a centre of excellence, he added. “We are looking forward to the guidance of United Nations for attainment of all these objectives,” Kayani said, Earlier, the chief of army staff welcomed United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon who arrived at NUST to inaugurate the Centre for International Peace and Stability. appCourtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk