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Elimination of terrorism becomes imminent: president
APP
ISLAMABAD - President Mamnoon Hussain on Monday said that the elimination of terrorism had become imminent as the government, armed forces and all other national institutions were on the same page to rid the country of the menace.
“National Action Plan against terrorism has been formulated. The unity among the government, armed forces and the national institutions has made it clear that the elimination of terrorism is not far,” he said addressing as chief guest at the Pakistan Day Parade. The ceremony was also attended by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, Minister for Defence Khawaja Asif, Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif, Acting Air Chief Air Chief Marshal Saeed Ahmed Khan and Naval Chief Admiral Zakaullah, besides diplomats from various countries and a huge number of citizens. The prime minister along with the Defence minister received the president as he reached the parade venue in a traditional buggy (horses-driven cart) escorted by the Presidents’ Guards. The president also reviewed the parade while Parade Commander Brigadier Khurram Sarfaraz accompanied him.
The chief guest also received salutation from different formations of the armed forces, including Armed Forces Nursing Wing, Special Services Group commandoes, Grils Guides, FC, Pakistan Police and others. The president also congratulated the Parade Commander and the soldiers taking part in the historic parade taking place after a gap of seven years. He said that such a splendid parade made him proud and firmed his belief that no force could ever defeat the nation having the forces with such a determination to render sacrifices for the national security. He said that some 75 years ago, “our sages resolved to form a separate homeland and achieved the objective for what we should be thankful to Allah and obliged to our forefathers.” He said that the parade was an occasion to remember the sacrifices of elders and pay tribute to their effort. It was also an occasion to renew a resolve to steer the country out of all difficulties through concerted efforts and develop it as a county where every citizen could live a free life with racial, religious and ethnic prejudices.
He said that the leaders of the Pakistan Movement could not be paid tribute better than making the country as envisioned by them. Mamnoon said that the nation, that started its journey helplessly, had been able to become an atomic power within five decade, besides valiantly facing natural disasters like earthquakes and floods, and the menace of terrorism. He also extended his salutation to the soldiers who had sacrificed for the country’s peace during Operation Zarb-e-Azb. The president said that he had decided to personally visit the operation zone and embrace the brave soldiers and also saluted the martyrs of Army Public School Peshawar, who, by sacrificing their lives, proved that no one could defeat this nation. He said that the armed forces were also playing a crucial role in the United Nations peace missions for international peace that reposed the world’s confidence in Pakistan.
He said on this historic day, he wanted to clarify that Pakistan wanted friendly ties with all neighbouring countries on equality basis. “We also want friendly relations with India and seek solution of all issues, including the Kashmir dispute. The issue of Kashmir can only be resolved according to the United Nations resolutions and as per aspirations of the Kashmiri people that can only guarantee the regional peace and security,” he remarked. Mentioning the improving deep cultural and historic ties with Afghanistan, the president expressed his pleasure over the cooperation extended to Pakistan by various friendly countries on different occasions. He said currently Pakistan was faced with economic issues caused by corruption as well as negligence from one’s duties. “On this day, we must pledge not to deviate from our duties and strive to steer the country away from the quagmire of problems and not to let the national development impeded by anyone,” he urged the nation.
He said that it was pleasing that the government of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif was working for economic stability and trickling its benefits down to the people. Mamnoon said on this pleasant occasion, it was a good news for Pakistan that the maritime borders of the country had increased from previous 200 nautical miles to 350 nautical miles that had also been formally approved by the UN Commission. He also lauded the untiring efforts of the Ministry of Science and Technology, Pakistan Navy and Maritime Research Institute that had enabled the country to have access to more resources in sea.
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk