'Could not be coerced to toe line': Pakistan’s strong message for Trump on national day

ISLAMABAD: President Mamnoon Hussain Friday said Pakistan’s desire for peace in the region should not be construed as its weakness and reminded India to peacefully resolve the long standing issue of Kashmir.

The president was addressing a dignified ceremony of 23 March Day parade.

He said Pakistan stood for peace in the region and beyond and gave a message of peace to those who did not want it.

The global scenario had changed manifold and now countries could not be coerced to toe line of one particular country, he added.

The president also cautioned against exploitation, suppression of nations and interference in the internal affairs of the countries.

He said Pakistan’ foreign policy was centered around endeavours for permanent peace in the world and based upon non-interference in to internal issues of other countries.

President of Sri Lanka Maithripala Sirisena, Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and Three Services Chiefs attended the ceremony.

Earlier, after arrival of dignitaries, the national anthem was played and the president inspected smartly turned out contingents of the armed forces.

The president also witnessed the fly march-past of the Pakistan Air Force and Pakistan Navy.

The president said Pakistan had been playing a vital role for the global peace and rendering commendable services from the UN platform for the world peace.

The president also reiterated that Pakistan would continue playing its role for peaceful resolution of the Afghan issue.

Pakistan had always played a historic role in the peaceful settlement of Afghan issue and for the stability of the Afghan government.

Referring to Indian cross border violations and the gross human rights violations in the Indian Occupied Kashmir (IoK), the president said with these peace subversive tactics, Pakistan’s neighbor had put the regional peace at stake.

He reminded India that it could not suppress the indigenous struggle of the Kashmiri people and called upon an immediate peaceful resolution of the issue.

He said in the past three decades, developments in the region had also affected Pakistan.

The president said various factors had impacted the regional situation, but it must be remembered that particular hegemonic designs by certain quarters could not be imposed on others.

In the successful launch of Zarb-e-Azb and Radd-ul-Fasad operations, the armed forces and the nation had given immense sacrifices; he said and announced commencement of Tamgha-e-Azm to pay tribute to the law enforcement forces and armed forces.

He also stressed upon continuation of efforts against terrorism so that the achievements made so far could be further solidified.

The president also expressed his satisfaction that all the institutions in the country were fully functional and working within their constitutional domains.

The democratically elected governments were completing their terms, he added.

He said the officers of the armed forces would continue playing their constitutional role for the protection of the country.

Referring to the observance of 23rd March, 1940, the president said there was no other significant day in the country’s history as on that day our forefathers had decided to no longer brave the foreign subjugation and paved the way for creation of a true democratic and social welfare state.

The president said the whole nation paid tribute to all those leaders who had made great sacrifices for the creation of motherland.

This marvelous parade was also an indication of such emotions, he added.

The president especially mentioned presence of Sri Lanka president and said Pakistani nation warmly welcomed him. He also thanked participation of the friendly countries armed forces contingents from Turkey, United Arab Emirates and Jordan.

The president expressed the hope that Pakistan’s friendship with the countries would further enhance.