Pakistan's desire for peace should not be misinterpreted as weakness: President Alvi

Says India must come to the conclusion that dialogue is the only way to resolve issues

President Dr Arif Alvi on Saturday stressed that Pakistan’s desire for peace should not be misconstrued as weakness.

Addressing the Pakistan Day Parade, the president reiterated that Pakistan believed in peaceful co-existence.

"Pakistan is a responsible nuclear state but it wants peace, not war. Pakistan respects integrity and sovereignty of other states," Alvi said.

The president said that India's irresponsible attitude jeopardised peace in the region. "India will have to accept Pakistan as a reality, and it must come to the conclusion that dialogue is the only way to resolve issues."



The president said that the demonstration of Pakistan's defence capability highlighted that Pakistan was a peaceful nation, but not oblivious to its defence.

According to the president, the country was safe and moving on the path of progress and development after effectively combating the menace of terrorism.

He, however, pointed out that the country was dealing with the challenges of poverty, hunger, unemployment and extremist mindset.

The president said that participation of the representatives of Pakistan's friendly countries including Saudi Arabia, China, Turkey, Azerbaijan, Bahrain and Sri Lanka in the military parade on Pakistan Day signified the country's strong relations with these nations.