RAWALPINDI:
Army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa on Sunday said the nation had rendered great sacrifices to achieve peace in the country and now it should translate into progress and prosperity.
“Today, a peaceful and changing Pakistan is delivering a message of peace, progress and tolerance to the world," the chief of army staff said while addressing an ceremony held at the General Headquarters in Rawalpindi to commemorate the Defence and Martyrs Day.
The army chief there were clouds of war and unease hovering over the Subcontinent but there was hope for peace and prosperity as well and Pakistan's role had always played a positive role.
He pointed out that the country had played a key role in the Afghan peace process so that regional stability could be achieved.
“We have always emphasised the importance of peace, prosperity and dialogue," Gen Qamar added.
He noted that Pakistan had always backed a peace process in neighbouring Afghanistan led and owned by its own people.
The COAS assured the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) that Pakistan would never desert them. "I want to assure the people of Kashmir, Pakistan will never leave them alone. The hearts of Pakistanis and Kashmiris beat together,” he added.
He said the issue of Kashmir was an unresolved agenda of the realisation of Pakistan and it would remain that way until a solution was found on the basis of the UN resolutions and the will of the Kashmiri people.
Gen Qamar said state terrorism by India was at its peak in IIOJK and vowed that the country’s armed forces were ready to render every sacrifice for the people of Kashmir.
Speaking in connection with the Defence and Martyrs Day, the COAS said the army was ready to thwart the nefarious designs of the country’s enemies just like it had defeated a much larger enemy in the 1965 war with India.
“The day of September 6, 1965 is an unforgotten chapter in the country’s history which includes examples of the nation’s solidarity, sacrifice and bravery,” “For the Pakistani nation, September 6 in not an ordinary day but it is a testament of our courage and commemorates the sacrifices rendered by our martyrs in 1948, 1965, 1971, the Kargil war and the war against terror,” he said.
“Even today we are defending our freedom and country by shedding our blood.”
Gen Qamar said the country’s sovereignty, independence, peace and stability was still intact because of the sacrifices, courage and bravery of its soldiers and martyrs.
He paid tribute to the martyrs’ families, who were present at the ceremony.
“I want to assure you that we will never forget the sacrifices of your loved ones. The martyrs are our heroes and nations get annihilated when they forget the sacrifices of their martyrs. I salute your spirit of self-sacrifice and assure you that we are and will be with you at every step of the life. The whole nation is indebted to your patience and sacrifices.”
He also congratulated the officers, junior commissioned officers and soldiers who were awarded at the ceremony. “We are all proud of you for the professionalism you have shown while following the tradition of the Pakistan Army in the line of duty."
The COAS said the Pakistani nation was the bearer of the ideology of a separate Islamic identity and had achieved freedom on this basis. “This ideology is our identity today and tomorrow.”
The army chief noted that the country’s enemies had been hatching conspiracies to eliminate this ideology but the armed forces and the nation have thwarted their every move with the spirit of faith. "To safeguard and protect the country’s sovereignty and peace is the foremost duty of the Pakistan Army."
He further said every officer and soldier of the Pakistan Army, due to their professionalism, high discipline and selflessness, represented an army whose capabilities had been acknowledged worldwide.
“Whether on the frontier of borders or in the face of terrorism and natural disasters or in the task of rebuilding the country, the Pakistani forces perform the duty of protecting and serving their nation as a very sacred duty,” he said, “Love for the Pakistani nation is part of the faith of the Pakistan Army and the love of the Pakistani nation for the Pakistani forces is eternal. Their confidence is unshakable.”
Gen Qamar said it was a great honour for him to command a brave and courageous force like the Pakistan Army.
Concluding his speech, the army chief cautioned about the fifth generation or hybrid warfare,
“Its [fifth generation warfare] purpose is to defame the country and the Pakistani forces and spread chaos. We will surely succeed in winning this war as well with the cooperation of the nation.”
The COAS conferred military awards to army personnel for their acts of gallantry during various operations.
The families of martyrs and Ghazis, senior serving military officers and soldiers attended the ceremony. As many as 40 officers were awarded Sitara-e-Imtiaz (military), 24 officers/soldiers were awarded Tamgha-e-Bisalat and a soldier was honoured with United Nations (UN) Medal. Medals of Shuhada were received by their family members, according to the ISPR.
Wreath laying ceremonies
The entire nation along with armed forces observed the Defence and Martyrs’ Day to pay tribute the martyrs and Ghazis and reaffirm commitment to defend the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the country at all cost.
Wreath laying ceremonies were held at Shahuada monument at the GHQ and at graves and monuments of recipients of the Nishan-e-Haider, the country’s, highest gallantry award. A large number of people belonging to various walks of life attended the ceremonies to pay homage to the brave sons of soil who demonstrated indomitable courage and valour in defence of the motherland.
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