Cheif of Army staff General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani says they have exercised restraint in the face of some belligerent statements. PHOTO: AFP
"Pakistan is a peace loving country. Our quest for peace is essentially based on a genuine desire to improve our lot and that of our future generations. Let no one see it as a weakness."
Addressing graduating cadets of 127th PMA Long Course, Integrated Course 46 and Mujahid Course-1 at the Pakistan Military Academy, the COAS said, "We have exercised restraint in the face of some very belligerent statements in recent months. Let it suffice to say that Pakistan is fully capable of responding effectively to any threat. Despite our current focus on internal security, we remain fully prepared to defeat an external direct threat."
Kayani, while admitting the challenges currently faced by the country, remained confident that united, the challenges can be overcome.
"We are going through difficult times, but so has every other successful nation at some time in their history."
The Army chief assured that the country will succeed if it remains committed to its basis of creation. He reminded that Pakistan was created in the name of Islam and that Islam can never ever be taken out of Pakistan.
Kayani asked the cadets that they have become part of an institution where nothing else but their own merit will be the sole consideration for career progression. "Be ambitious. There is nothing wrong with it, but the only way to achieve your ambitions is through hard work. There is no shortcut to it. Do have a dream and always aim high."
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When The General Kayani was delivering that Powerful speech, on the mean time we have a drone Attack by EXTERNAL forces.
As, the General says We are ready to face any threat, so are We ?
yes we are ready but only to ace it not to retatliate. AIM high.. han ?
Who is he to tell what was Pakistan made for? This statement shows army has not given up on their thinking of being ideological thekedars of Pakistan.
@Saleem: Yes, the Chief must stand up against the unrestrained corruption against which he did not and later became the proverbial 'last straw that broke the camel's back.' His silence is deafening. We cannot tackle terrorism in the cities, on the borders, and we are secure against external threats? Firstly, let us secure the citizens' life and property and concomitantly put pressure on the corrupt civilian government to sanction funds to develop a strong anti-terrorist force. If they are not passing resolutions...then force them for the country's survival. If they are not sanctioning funds...pressurize them to immediately do the needful. The Chief has done a splendid job on the Afghan front but internally he has to prove his mettle against the inherent corrupt politicians and judges who take notice of wrongs but don't hand out punishments. Salams
The COAS full statement with reference to Islam also mentions ' Islam according to the vision of Quaid e Azam and Allama Iqbal'. Let me say,that this anology and line of thinking is flawed. Islam by majority of muslims in Pakistan will now not be interpreted as per their vision.It will be interpreted in the light of their own perception of Islam and sayings/actions of normal Imams of Masjids like that of Lal Masjid which has now received SC and its commission's backing.So,threat to 'Pakistan of Quaid e Azam and Allama Iqbal', will come externally from 'Talibans Afghanistan' and internally from all those elements who supports them physicaly and ideologically and also from external forces acting because of the implications of the aforementioned threat. Study and observe judiciary's role in this threat,which to me is negative and provocative.Is Pakistan army / armed forces ready to meet the threat and with its implications both internaly and globaly?.And are we ourselves encouraging this threat knowingly or unknowingly?.Think deep.We need to wake up.
@Sure?: @Jibran: Thanks for the truth. I agree with you. " General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani Saturday said that Pakistan is fully capable of responding effectively to any threat" More Pakistanis have been butchered and beheaded by the brutal terrorists and yet the general is fully capable of responding! Never before we have lost so many people in any war and never before there have been so many beheadings of soldiers yet the huge army with all expensive toys cannot keep the civilians safe. Regards, M
"Despite our current focus on internal security, we remain fully prepared to defeat an external direct threat"
Don't worry, As long as the domestic violence of Pakistan does not spread to areas right next to our Border, your Eastern Front will remain (as it is right now) amongst the most peaceful corner of Pakistan.
@Mohammad:
The Swedes of course.
Army under kayani has become a joke. US drone attacks, OBL raid, worse law and order, under his watch, and all the while he enjoyed the benefits of his position and even negotiated an extension. So please forgive me for laughing at his overt threats.
@Waseem: what do u want him to do when wakes up, as you want? this statement my dear is not for you, it for we, the 90% of population who acknowledge the sacrifices given by our Army, and are proud of it
'enlightened' et al, seriously guys. give us a break. what's going on in TOI?
lol.. lol.. what a funny statement,, pakistan was created for islam!.. what apathetic state of pakistan is,, there top generals even dnt knw abt history,, pakistan was created for benefit of musalman(muslims). whats the name of courses threre,, mujahid course. these mentality of ever ready 2 dye is gng to ruin pakistan and its people. sry to see all this. wake a pakistan wake up.
Instead of being insulted Pervez Musharraf should be brought back to power and see Pakistan's health and economy take off. It will take many many years to develop honest and qualified leaders to bring good governance to Pakistan.
This is not news........this is what the army chief is expected to say to cadets at Kakul.
The excerpts from Gen Kayani address as (mis)interpreted across the border-
'Despite our current focus on internal security, we remain fully prepared to deal with the external threat' What he really meant with external threat is not India but the over-assertive judiciary who is threatening the supremacy of the military. 'We are going through difficult times, but so has every other successful nation at sometime in their history' What appears to be a slip of tongue which should read 'We are going through difficult times, but so has every unsuccessful nation at sometime in their history. 'Be ambitious. There is nothing wrong with it---. Do have a dream and always aim high' What he meant by being ambitious and aiming high appears to be the great military achievers like Gen Ayub, Zia, Musharraf etc.
How many people are dying monthly in Pakistan? Who's responsibility?
General Kayani deserves another five-year extension.
Kayani Sahib, aap mazak acha kar laite ho.
How can you even talk about external threats (There are none that I am aware of) when you can't even handle the internal threats like the fanatics going crazy all over the country killing on a daily basis.
First get a grip on the situation with the taliban killings.
He is right Sweden has not attacked PAK.
So, what is this external threat? China?
Hello Chief, may I know when will you wake up, please???
He is wearing GANDHI CAP
Then what is it waiting for? Why doesn't it start covert operations against those who are ripping fabric of Pakistan?
Some good statements in there. Pak Fauj Zindabad
Are you sure of that general? It does not look like you have the capability o even fight TTP. India has never attacked you and never will. But your army has never been able to stand up to Indian army retaliation when you attacked - defense day celebrations notwithstanding.
What a joke! When the country is bleeding internally, He's talking about external threats. A few rightwing self righteous judges have taken over the country under the imamat of ch iftikhar. Unfortunately no one is complaining about it.
Nice way to convey message to judicary...
Any threat to the former Generals as well.
Kayani has won me over with his compassionate leadership and the pateince with which he has dealt with the 'dirt' of both the civilain government and his predecessors in Army. However, the task would not be completed without him being involved in providing security on the election day, specially in parts of the country which are treated as no-go-areas . If he could do that, there is absolutely no doubt that he would go down in the history books as one fine ,sensible, mature and tolerant General, whcih itself is a rarity in his instituion .