ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has said that Pakistan’s defence capabilities meet the contemporary needs as its strong defence has ensured peace in South Asia.
“We do not want to join the arms race in the region, however, we would continue to maintain a strategic balance in the region,” the Prime Minister said in his message on the country’s Defence Day.
The prime minister said that the country’s defence capability reflected the nation’s courage and determination. “Operation Zarb e Azb is a continuation of this conviction, which has resulted in containing terrorists through combined will of our political leadership, determination of the nation, and sacrifices of our armed forces and security institutions,” he said.
The prime minister said that the improved law and order situation in the country was encouraging and to maintain that, there was a need to rise above political and personal interests.
Nawaz Sharif said the fast-changing global scenario, internal and external conspiracies and terrorism were the challenges that demanded a strong defence. “We are proud that we did not overlook this fact and our defence capability meets the contemporary needs,” he said.
He mentioned that the country had attained self-reliance in production of advanced weapons. Hatf missile series, Al Khalid and Zarrar tanks, JF-17 thunder aircraft, Agosta-class submarines and most importantly, “our nuclear capability is the highlight of our strong defence,” he added. He said that September 6 would be remembered as an ardent and fervent occasion.
“On this day, our brave armed forces along with the nation had given a clear message of protecting the sovereignty of the country, by defeating the enemies,” he added.
The Prime Minister said that economic progress was essential for further development of national defence and solidarity. “We are fully focusing on mega projects under the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and the related projects of infrastructure and energy”, he added. He said that the completion of these projects would ensure economic stability, and ultimately result in a strong defence. “Increased trade relations with Central Asian states and East Asia would make Pakistan an economic hub,” he added.
The prime minister also condemned the Indian barbarity in Indian-held Kashmir.
“We have a clear stance on Kashmir and believe that the solution of this issue only lies in implementation of the resolutions of the United Nations Security Council, in accordance with the aspirations of Kashmiris,” he said.
He said the voice of Kashmiris could not be silenced through aggression, nor they could be deprived of their right to self-determination. “Pakistan would continue to extend political, moral and diplomatic support to the Kashmiri people,” he added. He paid tribute to the war heroes, and reiterated that he would not deter from sacrificing for the solidarity and honour of Pakistan.
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