Civil, military leaders resolve to continue operation against Fitna-al-Khawarij till complete eradication

RAWALPINDI: Addressing a ceremony held at General Headquarters (GHQ) in connection with Defence Day, here on Friday, civil and military leaders have resolved to continue operation against Fitna-al-Khawarij till complete eradication.

On the occasion, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed his government’s unwavering commitment to combating terrorism, pledging to continue the ongoing operation against Fitna-al-Khawarij until their complete eradication.

“All our armed forces and law enforcing agencies will continue their operation for which there is a national consensus,” he said while addressing a ceremony held here at General Headquarters (GHQ) in connection with Defence Day.

Paying rich tributes to the valiant sons of soil and brave heroes of Armed Forces who fearlessly fought, and defeated the enemy that attacked our motherland across the international border on 6 September 1965.

Despite their numerical advantage, the prime minister said the enemy designs were thwarted by the valiant Armed Forces and were handed an unforgettable defeat, on all fronts.

He saluted the families of Shuhada, whose immense resilience and strength continued to inspire the nation.

The prime minister emphasized that divisions within the nation posed threat to the country’s integrity and any movement in the country aimed at weakening the state will not be tolerated at any cost.

“Abuse or bullets are not solution to the issues,” he said stressing the need of unity among the nation.

The prime minister said all Pakistanis were responsible to ensure development, peace and stability in the country. “We might be in different fields but our goal is only one that is development, integrity and security of Pakistan.”

He said Pakistan was a peace loving country. “We have proved that Pakistan does not have aggressive designs against its neighbors.”

He said Pakistan was playing positive role of promoting regional and global peace.

“The prosperity always comes with peace, we desire respectful and peaceful relations with regional countries, but we will never compromise on our national interests, respect and independence,” the prime minister added.

He said recalled “we have defeated our enemy’s evil designs for multiple times but their evil intentions were still a big threat to Pakistan’s security.

As regards the issue Kashmir, the prime minister said non-resolution of the Jammu & Kashmir dispute was hampering the pace of positive development in the region. “Kashmir is the unfinished agenda of partition that needs immediate settlement as per the aspirations of the people of Kashmir and according to the relevant UN Security Council resolutions through an impartial plebiscite. At the same time, roots of terrorism stemming from our neighbors need to be curbed in our common interest,” he added.

Speaking to the ceremony, Army Chief General Syed Asim Munir said the armed forces and the people of Pakistan are determined to foil the nefarious designs of country’s foes.

The Army Chief said external forces, involved in fanning terrorism in Pakistan will not be allowed to succeed in their designs.

He paid tribute to all the brave martyrs and veterans of the great country. “I pray for the elevation of the ranks of the martyrs whose holy blood cultivated the soil of the holy land.”

Salutations to the spirit of the great nation of Pakistan who bravely fought against the forces and enemies alongside the forces of Pakistan and law enforcement agencies, Gen Munir said.

He maintained that Pakistani nation is a strong and brave nation, adding that the series of sacrifices in the long war against terrorism continues even today, which will continue until the end of the terrorists.

The Army Chief said that law enforcement agencies, brave people of Pakistan especially brave people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan have made unprecedented sacrifices.

While paying tribute to the martyrs, he referred to verse 169 of Surah Aal-e-Imran and said, “And those who were martyred in the way of Allah, do not think of them as dead, they are alive, they find sustenance by their Lord.”

A united voice against terrorists, the message of Pakistan, formal management of western borders, inclusion of tribal areas in the province, economic and social development measures in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan are important achievements, the Army Chief observed.

These achievements are the result of the determination of the state of Pakistan and the sacrifice of martyrs and ghazis he added.

 The COAS said Paigham-e-Pakistan, a joint strategy against the Fitna-al-Khawarij, better management of the western border, merger of tribal areas, development measures in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan are significant achievements.

He said the armed forces and the people of Pakistan are tied in heart-to-heart connectivity.

The Army Chief further said that some inimical forces are spreading confusion on the measures taken for country’s security and attempting to create a wedge between the armed forces and the people of Pakistan. He said these elements will be defeated with national resolve.

Highlighting the importance of Azm-e-Istehkam, the Army Chief said it is imperative for national integrity and is not a new operation. In his remarks about the ongoing Indian oppression in the occupied Jammu and Kashmir, the Army Chief said rulers of New Delhi are committing genocide there. He said Pakistan will continue extending moral, diplomatic and political support to the people of Kashmir.

Regarding on the ongoing situation in Gaza, Syed Asim Munir said Israeli aggression is a threat to world peace. He said Pakistan stands with the Muslims of Gaza.