He said that Pakistan’s armed forces were keeping a close vigil on the internal and external challenges and were fully capable of meeting all the threats to the security of the country.Addressing a large gathering on the eve of Youm-e-Shuhada here at the GHQ, he said that the armed forces remained alert round the clock for the defence of the motherland.
“Nobody should doubt the capabilities of the Pakistan Army as it will come to the expectations of the nation,” he added.General Raheel Sharif said that the Pakistan Army would continue to play its role in ensuring the security, progress and prosperity of the country.
Stressing the need for unity to overcome the internal and external challenges confronting the country, he said that the Pakistan Army supported every effort for the eradication of terrorism and restoration of peace in the country.
While lauding the supreme sacrifices rendered by the security forces for the defence of the country, the COAS said that the nation always stood with the Pakistan Army in every difficult time.
While declaring that the Pakistan Army supported every effort for the elimination of terrorism and restoration of peace, the chief of army staff said that it was his wish that all the elements fighting against Pakistan should submit before the Constitution and laws of the country and return to the mainstream.
He made it clear that the people and the armed forces were fully capable of thwarting the nefarious designs of the enemies of the country.All nations fight shoulder-to-shoulder with their armies on the internal or external fronts and keep their spirits high, he said and added, the Pakistan Army’s strength was the confidence the people reposed in it.
“The Pakistani nation always stood behind its army and our valiant soldiers will render all sacrifices for national security,” he added.He said that the relations between the Pakistan Army and people would become stronger with every passing day.
General Raheel called for following the golden principles of Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah — unity, faith and discipline — to put the country on the road to progress and prosperity.He called upon all the institutions of the country to make efforts for the success of democracy and assured that the armed forces would continue their efforts for the development of the country and prosperity of the people.
Lauding the role of the media and civil society along with other institutions of the state in nation building, he said that the media always played an important role in moulding public opinion in favour of national security.
“We believe in the freedom of the media, responsible journalism and appreciate its sacrifices,” he added. Youm-e-Shuhada (Day of Martyrs) was observed to pay homage to those soldiers who had laid their lives for the cause of the motherland.
