Bid by terrorists, any group to destabilise Pakistan not to be tolerated: president

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari emphatically stated on Saturday Pakistan would not compromise on its sovereignty and tolerate attempts of terrorists or any group to destabilise it.

Addressing the Joint Services Parade, which marked celebrations of the Pakistan Day here, he said Pakistan wanted good relations with all its neighbours. He said Pakistan is a peace-loving country and a responsible nuclear state. However, he warned, the Pakistani nation and its armed forces were always ready for defence of the country and to respond to any aggression.

“We will not tolerate any efforts by terrorists or any group to destabilise our country and today’s parade is a reminder of our unity, strength and pride,” he said and particularly mentioned that the world community recognised Pakistan’s efforts and sacrifices in the war on terrorism.

He pointed out that the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJ&K) was one of the main reasons for instability in the region, adding that Kashmiri people had been demanding their right to self-determination for the last 76 years.

Condemning Indian brutalities and human rights violations in IIOJ&K, Zardari urged the international community to ensure implementation of UN Security Council resolutions. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to always stand by Kashmiri people in their just struggle against tyranny. Expressing solidarity with Palestinian people, he appealed to the international community to take measures to ensure that the killing of innocent Palestinian people, including children and women, was immediately halted. He emphasised that a ceasefire should be announced and a humanitarian corridor opened on a priority basis. He said Pakistan would continue to support Palestinians till the resolution of the Palestine issue as per their desire.

Alluding to the challenges faced by the country, the president said a democratic government was in place, following the electoral exercise. He said the responsibility now “rests with all of us to collectively address the challenges ahead. Our people are hardworking and intelligent. The youth, equipped with immense capabilities, are the trustees of the country’s development.”

The president said the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) had been established to improve the economy and expressed his confidence that under that platform, foreign investment would develop agriculture, livestock, mineral and mining, information technology and energy sectors. He called upon all political parties to rise above their political interests and work collectively for the country’s security and prosperity.

The Joint Services Parade showcased prowess of the country’s defence. Some impressive sky-diving jumps by the commandos of three armed forces, demonstration of manoeuvres by fighter jets and air defence system were highlights of the parade.

After the mesmerising show of PAF fighters, Pakistan Army, PAF and Navy paratroopers, led by General Officer Commanding of SSG Major General Adil Rehmani, demonstrated perfect landing. Brigadier Irfan Ahmad led the Joint Services Parade.

Rehmani presented Pakistan’s flag, which he carried during sky-diving, to the prime minister. The PAF aerobatics display by a team of Sherdils enthralled the spectators with their unmatched aerial manoeuvres.

Earlier, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmad Babar Sidhu led the fly-past at the start of the parade. However, it was JF-17 Thunders, the proud of Pakistan, which stole the show with breath-taking air manoeuvres.

The audience gave a rousing welcome and cheerful response to the mechanised troops of armed forces and missile units of the Strategic Plans Division (SPD) also demonstrated Pakistan’s military might.

Saudi Defence Minister Prince Khalid Bin Salman Bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud was the guest of honour. Besides Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, cabinet members, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf, foreign diplomats and civil and military officers attended the national event.

The highlight of this year’s parade was the participation of military troops from Azerbaijan and China. As the troops from Azerbaijan and China passed in front of the Salami platform, the audience stood up and welcomed them.