RAWALPINDI: Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani has said that there should be no doubt in anybody’s mind that the people of Pakistan and Army are one single entity. He was addressing the participants of Yaum-e-Shuhada at the Shuhada Monument here at Rawalpindi Cantt on Saturday, said an ISPR press release.“ Our real national strength is unity, mutual trust and perseverance. Our national resolve is quite evident from the sacrifices and support the public has extended to the Army in our fight against terrorism. This is a reflection of strong bondage of our people and the Army which is the main source of our strength and stability” , he said.The Army Chief paid salute to all the martyrs and the spirit of the soldiers of Pakistan Army who are engaged in fighting for the national cause.The COAS said,”we commemorate this day to pay homage to all those soldiers who had laid down their lives for the security, stability and glory of our motherland.“At the same time we also pay rich tribute to the families of martyrs and assure them that we shall always stand beside them in all times to come”.
He further said that the nation fully acknowledges the sacrifices and contribution of the Army while facing all kinds of internal and external challenges right from the independence, that includes national calamities and the rehabilitation / reconstruction as well as confronting the threat of violent extremism.The COAS reminded that Pakistan is an ideological Islamic state with a strong foundation that has been further strengthened by the sacrifices of its martyrs. This spirit of sacrifices is not only sacred but is also our national asset that we will always be proud of.The COAS highlighted that these are challenging times for the nation. He said that it is a historical fact that the nations do pass through difficult times.However, nations with spirit and resolve to defend their freedom, confront and over come these challenges. These kind of experiences give confidence and place the nation on the path of progress and prosperity.The COAS emphasized the need for “each one of us to fully realize our duties and responsibilities and shed off despondency and hopelessness. This is only possible when we keep our national spirit and hope alive”.“ We must not lose sight of a prosperous Pakistan, which is possible with the spirit of sacrifice and hard work. For that we need to rise above our narrow interests to make Pakistan more stronger.
I have a firm believe that as a nation, we have all the potential to achieve that”, he added.
The COAS reiterated that Pakistan is a peaceful country and wants to maintain good and friendly relations with all other countries.He said,”we fully realize that only a prosperous Pakistan is a guarantee for a stronger Pakistan. Therefore, all our efforts should be towards making our people prosperous and secure. But we cannot sacrifice our honour and dignity for the sake of prosperity”.“It is only for the people of Pakistan and no one else to decide what is in their best national interests. And the Armed Forces stand beside the people in their national resolve”.He said,”we believe in one force, one family and one nation. Our people, soldiers and martyr are together in life and death and shall remain together forever.”The ceremony was attended by parliamentarians, Services chiefs, members of diplomatic community, serving and retired officers and men, a large number of next of kins of martyrs and people from all walks of life including media. – APP
