Kashmir an unfinished agenda of Pakistan’s realisation: COAS

Gen Qamar says state terrorism in IOK is at its climax and Pakistan will go to any length for Kashmiris

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Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa on Friday said that Jammu and Kashmir is an unfinished agenda of realisation of Pakistan and it will remain so until the dispute is resolved in accordance with the United Nations Security Council resolutions and aspirations of the people of Kashmir.   Addressing the 54th Defence and Martyrs' Day ceremony at the General Headquarters, the COAS said, "Kashmir is Pakistan's jugular vein and we will never abandon our Kashmiri brethren.

“Today's Pakistan gives a message of peace and this message is for the entire world. Pakistan has fulfilled its responsibilities and it is now up to the global community to reject extremism."

The army chief said, “The sacrifices of our martyrs will not go in vain, which is evident of the fact that the environment in the country is peaceful.”

Gen Qamar said state terrorism in Indian Occupied Kashmir was at its climax and Pakistan would go to any length for the Kashmiris.

“Kashmiris are the victim of the oppression and tyranny of India's Hindutava government. I want to assure the people of Kashmir that Pakistan will never leave them alone. The hearts of Pakistanis and Kashmiris beat together," the COAS added.

He said Pakistan's armed forces were ready to give every sacrifice for the people of Kashmir.

Gen Qamar said Pakistan today was delivering a message of peace and prosperity. "Today the peaceful and changing Pakistan is a message of peace, progress and tolerance for the world. When we look at the situation of the subcontinent, there are clouds of war and unease as we hope for peace and prosperity but Pakistan's role has always remained positive," he added.

Elaborating on the country’s efforts for peace, Gen Qamar said, "We have always emphasised the importance of peace, prosperity and dialogue, evident of which is that Pakistan has always supported an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process."

Recollecting the sacrifices of the martyrs, the COAS said, "From 1947 till now, whether in traditional war or in operations against terrorists, our martyrs offered sacrifices and ensured the safety of the country."

At the outset of the function, the COAS laid floral wreath at the Yadgar-e-Shuhada which followed the screening of a documentary in which the martyrs were remembered by their families and friends.

The ceremony was attended by the families and kin of the martyrs besides senior military officials.

Defence and Martyrs Day is observed every year on September 6 to pay tributes to the martyrs and ghazis and reaffirm commitment to defend the motherland against all threats.

It was on this day in 1965 that the Indian forces crossed the international border in the darkness of night to attack Pakistan but the nation foiled the enemy’s nefarious designs.

The Defence and Martyrs Day is also being observed as Kashmir Solidarity Day to reaffirm the support of Pakistani nation to the oppressed people of IOK who have been under lockdown for over a month now.

(With additional input from app)