PM says Pakistan faces unconventional threats

Nawaz witnesses firepower demonstration of PAF in Balochistan

KARACHI: Pakistan is facing unconventional challenges that should be viewed on a broader canvas of global and regional environment, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said on Monday.

“Our national resolve and commitment to eliminate terrorism has earned us a sound repute and respect in international society,” he said while speaking at a firepower demonstration of Pakistan Air Force at the Sonmiani Range in Balochistan.



The PM said despite many external and internal challenges, Pakistan was steadily gaining strength and sailing through difficult times. He vowed the country’s resolve to combat terrorism was unwavering.

“The unmatched courage and heroism of our air warriors have always made the entire nation proud,” he said, appreciating that the air force’s personnel were playing their part well in Operation Zarb-e-Azb and other campaigns against terrorists.



PM Nawaz also extended felicitations to the Chief of the Air Staff for successful completion of the inter-squadron competition, in which the PAF fighter squadrons demonstrated their excellence in weapon delivery standards.



The event was an opportunity for the PAF personnel to exhibit their skills in using air-to-ground weapons with precision. Several frontline aircraft demonstrated high-level speed, precision and lethality. The indigenously produced JF-17 Thunder, painted in the national flag colours, also presented aerobatic displays.

On watching the aircrafts performances, the PM appreciated the aerial warfare capabilities.

Air Chief Marshal Sohail Aman said the air force was prepared to thwart the nefarious designs of those who dare to disturb the country’s peace.



“The proof of our resilience is the extremists have not been able to undermine our will. We have sent a clear message to them that for every mischief they make, the Pakistani nation and its forces will serve them with an even stronger blow.”

At the end, the PAF chief presented a painting of JF-17 Thunder to PM Nawaz.

Sindh Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah and Federal Defence Minister Khawaja Asif also attended the event.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 8^th,  2015.