Enemies cannot tolerate signs of development in Pakistan: PM Nawaz

Civil-military leadership witnesses military exercises Raddul Barq in Multan

MULTAN: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has said that Pakistan's enemies cannot tolerate signs of development in the country.

He was addressing troops after witnessing military exercises Raad ul Barq in Khairpur Tamiwali, Multan on Tuesday. Army chief General Raheel Sharif among other civilian and military high-ups were also in attendance.

Ex Raad ul Barq:def Min,Finance Min, all services chiefs,CGS, Bwpr Corps Comd, IGT&E and huge gathering of mil offrs present at the occasion pic.twitter.com/N2GBMpGl09

— Gen(R) Asim Saleem Bajwa (@AsimBajwaISPR) November 16, 2016

Military exercises in Khairpur Tamiwali. AN EXPRESS NEWS SCREENGRAB

Ex Raad Ul Barq:Comprehensive,integ Exercise encompassing all weapons,calibers,at our best combat readiness against our enemy-live on TV now

— Gen(R) Asim Saleem Bajwa (@AsimBajwaISPR) November 16, 2016

"These exercises show the preparedness of Pakistan's armed forces to respond to any kind of threat to national security," said the prime minister. "Sacrifices of military personnel will not go to waste."

He said the government strictly followed a policy of non-interference in the country's internal matters, and "expects the same from other states to enable lasting peace in the region."

"No country can remain oblivious to threats to national security," PM Nawaz said, adding that any efforts to harm national security and territorial integrity will be met with befitting response."

Delving into the country's recent developments, including the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, the premier said, "The enemies of Pakistan have made their intentions well-known."

AN EXPRESS NEWS SCREENGRAB

"The enemies cannot tolerate signs of development in Pakistan, and that is why the country has become a victim of terrorism," he added. The premier told those in attendance that CPEC will soon become fully operational as the first trade caravan has already departed from the Gwadar port.

Referring to the ongoing tensions in Indian-held Kashmir, PM Nawaz said, "It is extremely unfortunate that South Asia remains prone to confrontation. The Jammu and Kashmir dispute remains the core issue of contention between Pakistan and India.



"It must be addressed in a sincere and comprehensive manner, while keeping in mind the aspirations of Kashmiri people and UN resolutions."

He described Operation Zarb-e-Azb as the most comprehensive, robust and successful anti-terrorism operation in the world.