Belgium conference pledges ‘unconditional’ support to Pakistan Army

Speakers at the Istehqam Pakistan Conference observed on Friday that Pakistan's security depended on the stability of the Pakistan Army.

The conference, held in the city of Antwerp in Belgium, was attended by a large number of Pakistanis. The participants upheld that standing by the institution 'unconditionally' would strengthen the institution.

The Pakistani community expressed solidarity with the Pakistan Army, the “guarantor for stability” for the country, and chanted slogans praising Pakistan and its army.

European Union-Pakistan Friendship Federation Europe Chairperson Chaudhry Pervez Iqbal Losar reiterated the direct dependence of stability in Pakistan to the stability in the army. He added that, "We can proudly say that two superpowers were defeated on our soil, a feat that was only possible because we stood shoulder-to-shoulder with our army.”

He further stated that the medal given to Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa by Saudi Arabia was not meant for him only, but has also been awarded to the 220 million people of Pakistan and the entire institution guarding the Muslim Ummah.

"We have to promise today that we will challenge the fifth generation war, and stop the fake propaganda against the Pakistan Army. We will thwart the enemy’s move,” Losar added.

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At the end of the event, the participants pledged to stand with the Pakistan Army and vowed to not allow any internal or external conspiracy against the country to succeed.

The conference comes shortly after a Canadian parliamentarian's remarks against Pakistan's military leadership.

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif strongly condemned the Canadian parliamentarian's remarks and urged the Canadian government to take notice of the irresponsible statement.

Speaking in the National Assembly, Asif said, "Pakistan and the military leadership was criticised by a Canadian parliamentarian, which is deplorable … the Canadian government should take action on the irresponsible statement."

He said that a protest had also been registered through the diplomatic channel against the remarks but it was necessary to debate the issue in Pakistan's parliament too.