PM Shehbaz seeks total elimination of Fitna al-Khawarij

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday vowed to continue operations till the total ellimiation of terrorism as Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Sayed Asim Munir stressed that political differences must not turn into hatred for the sake of "national unity."

The prime minister and army chief were speaking at the Defense Day ceremony held at the General Headquarters in Rawalpindi.

The army chief expressing his commitment to eradicating terrorism, stated, "for national unity, it is essential that political differences do not turn into hatred."

The army chief further emphasised that to achieve national unity, it is crucial to safeguard the rights of minorities according to the Constitution of Pakistan, rising above religious intolerance.

The army chief also discussed the operation "Azm-e-Istahkam" (Resolve of Stability) aimed at ending terrorism. He mentioned, "Operation Azm-e-Istahkam is part of the National Action Plan. In this long war, not only the Pakistan Armed Forces and law enforcement agencies but also a large number of civilians, especially from Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, have made great sacrifices."

Gen Munir highlighted that the brave people of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan have made extraordinary sacrifices, which are a golden chapter in the history of the nation.

He further stated, "I want to make it clear to the foreign powers involved in spreading terrorism that the Pakistan Armed Forces and the people of Pakistan know how to defend their sovereignty and will never allow your evil intentions to succeed."

Gen Munir said that the Pakistani nation stands shoulder to shoulder with its armed forces and will continue to defend the nation's sovereignty for the future.

Declaring the youth as the future and asset of Pakistan, the army chief said that unwavering faith in the bright future of Pakistan is an essential part of being Pakistani.

He remarked that a long and enduring fight has been carried out against terrorism, and the series of sacrifices continues to this day, which will persist until the elimination of terrorists. The malicious goals aimed at weakening national unity will not succeed.

The COAS reiterated, "The Pakistan Armed Forces and the people of Pakistan know how to defend their sovereignty and will not allow the enemy's nefarious objectives to succeed. The strong bond between the Pakistani nation and its armed forces is the reason behind the enemy's defeat."

Prime Minister Shehba, paying tribute to the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the homeland, said that Defense Day is a great symbol of Pakistan’s national identity, and the army and security agencies will continue their operations until the elimination of the Fitna al-Khawarij.

Speaking at the central ceremony for Defense and Martyrs’ Day in Rawalpindi, he said that Defense Day is a great reference to our national identity. This day reminds us of the sacrifices of all those martyrs who laid down their lives for the freedom and protection of their homeland. No amount of tribute can ever be enough for these devoted souls.

He added that this day reminds us of the national pride that empowered our great nation to thwart the nefarious designs of an enemy intoxicated with power.

He recalled that the enemy, who dreamt of having tea at Lahore Gymkhana, fled even faster than the speed with which they made the foolish mistake of crossing Pakistan's borders. The evidence of their shameful retreat, preserved in the Military Museum, will continue to remind future generations of the unparalleled unity and victory of our armed forces and the nation.

The prime minister said, “I salute the great mothers who sacrificed their sons for this nation, and I swear by the tears of these courageous mothers that we will never let the sacrifices of their brave sons go in vain.”

He reiterated that the army and security forces will continue their operations until the Fitna al-Khawarij is completely eliminated.