Pakistan fully capable to defend its integrity, sovereignty: President Alvi

Says the current situation warrants that leaders of South Asia reject the politics of hate and religious extremism

President Arif Alvi on Wednesday said Pakistan is laced with capabilities to defend its territorial integrity and sovereignty, categorically stating that any misadventure will receive a befitting response.

Addressing the Pakistan Day Parade, the president asserted that the country will defend its independence at all costs.

“Pakistan desires peace, security and development in the whole region and has also taken practical steps towards that end. Peaceful coexistence is the cornerstone of Pakistan's foreign policy,” Alvi said.

He underscored that the current situation warranted that the leadership of South Asia reject the politics of hate, prejudice and religious extremism to guide the region towards prosperity.

President Alvi further maintained that Pakistan wants to move forward with good intent and peace but our desire for peace should not be construed as our weakness.

“Pakistan is a strong nuclear power. Apart from making progress in the socio-economic sectors, the country has achieved self-reliance in defence,” he said and expressed satisfaction that Pakistan is also exporting its defence products.

He added that our valiant and brave forces are the symbol of our independence and sovereignty.

“The entire nation stands shoulder-to-shoulder with their armed forces in case of any foreign aggression as well as other issues including terrorism and natural calamities,” he stressed adding that our martyrs and Ghazis are the nation’s pride.

Read more: Pakistan Day military parade being held in federal capital

He said anti-terrorism operation Raddul Fassad destroyed the terrorist networks across the country. The world also appreciates Pakistan's successes in the war on terror.

The president also paid rich tributes to the leaders of the Pakistan Movement.

Voicing serious concerns over the human rights situation in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) , the president said the resolution of the Kashmir dispute is imperative for ensuring peace in South Asia.

“The entire Pakistani nation stands by their Kashmiri brothers and sisters in this hour of trial,” he said. “Kashmir is a jugular vein of Pakistan and we will continue to raise their voice at all forums.”

The president also urged the international community to take notice of the grim situation in IIOJK.

“Pakistan desires peace in Afghanistan and the world commends the efforts made by us for the establishment of peace in the neighbouring country,” the president said and stressed on the need for harmonizing with the latest technologies including cyberspace and artificial intelligence to achieve the goal of development.

He expressed satisfaction that the country's armed forces are not lagging behind to lace themselves with these technologies.

“The way we achieved independence, the goal of development can also be achieved by renewing the pledge of 'Aik Qaum Aik Manzil,'” he said.

Talking about the Covid-19 pandemic, the president said despite limited resources, Pakistan handled the situation with responsibility and discipline.

“I am confident that Pakistan will also overcome this challenge but stressed that we need to observe caution,” he said.

President Alvi said Pak-China cooperation and collaboration is getting stronger with the passage of time. He also expressed gratitude to China over the provision of the anti-Coronavirus vaccine to Pakistan.