Prime minister Nawaz Sharif addressing the renaming ceremony of PAF base Mianwali. PHOTO: INP
Nawaz dismissed the notion that some countries had asked for assistance of Pakistan's armed forces to conduct operations in their land.
Speaking to media after a ceremony to rename Mianwali Airbase as MM Alam Airbase, the premier stated that recent visits of the leadership of brotherly countries including Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Kuwait were testimonies of their friendship and must not be linked with such assumptions.
Addressing the ceremony, Nawaz said that Pakistan was not involved in the arms race but it was neither negligent with regards to its defence. He added that the army will be made strong from every aspect as it makes the country strong.
He also said that Pakistan was a peaceful country and did not have hostilities against anyone.
Appreciation
Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) chief Altaf Hussain appreciated the statement by Nawaz regarding not sending troops to other countries, Express News reported.
He also said that the premier should always make such brave decisions in the future.
He further added that such an announcement has also increased confidence of the nation.
COMMENTS (39)
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Dear NS, Do you think the world is full of fools to believe your fantasy story? The world knows -- and more so Pakistanis living overseas -- that Pakistani soldiers and mercenaries operate in Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and, more recently, also in Syria and elsewhere. And because Kashmir is not an integral part of Pakistan, assuming it is a "disputed" territory, the Pakistani soldiers there are doing charitable work! And what about Afghanistan? The list does not end there because wherever Pakistani Government can make a fast buck, it will not hesitate to send Pakistani soldiers to their graves. And that's how much credibility Pakistani Governments enjoy.
Pakistan, seriously such a confused nation. But seriously not of its own doing. I hope this is true what Nawaz Sharif is saying, it feels true, only time will tell. He definitely is a changed man. This could be extremely positive for not only Pakistan but the region and rest of the world.
@truther Are you seriously this naive my friend? Everyone knows where the Taliban and other terrorist org. are getting finances from, i.e Saudi Arabia. And If it makes you happy, let me tell you that I would give my life for my country if war ever takes place between Pakistan and Iran or Pakistan and Saudi for that matter.
I am taking bets on the time it takes from now to when our troops land there..anyone????
@asad: We will never be out of debt while we have corrupt leadership..
@Ghulam Ali: and what would you say about Iranian interference in pakistan by aiding and arming terrorists in Pakistan? Why your broad mindedness stops you from condemning it
This shows the amount of respect which Muslim nations have for the Pakistani military. Pakistan trains Arab states' armed forces and airforces. As soon as Pakistan is rid of its internal security problems post-2014, we should take a more active role in the Middle East.
@Truther: that's not our head ache. we have our own enough head aches to deal with.
How pakistan can send troops outside, were the country itself is in big trouble.It is beyond even imagination !
@Aijaz: Shame on you.
@Truther. I belong to that particular sect but I am not narrow minded like you. I put my country before my sect. There is no need for Pakistan to interfere into proxy wars of gulf states. Pakistan zindabad.
We are tagged as a nation who can sell our mother for $10, what's wrong selling our army for few million petro dollars?
Google the signs of a Fascist Society and you will surely get all your answers about this country and the government
May Allah bless our forfathers and there great vision and wisdom and this country will lead the ummah inshaallah.
Mr Prime Minister; no one expects from your government to undertake Herkulesian tasks, but how on earth Pakistan can keep on paying this army and for the equipment, when its usefulness has been demonstratibly proven to only police duties in the country . Indian army is in similar cadre but they have been promised more engagement in UNO poice actions, you could ask Mr Moon for a reasonable share for your army as well.
Rex Minor
Nawaz Sharif has backed out on every assurance, promise and commitment he made before elections.
Can he be believed? maybe its just like his idea of running the bullet train from Peshawar to Karachi!
the saudis never gave such big monies to us even when we needed most - earth quake, floods, sactions after the nuclear tests....why now? and at what cost?
Knowing the integrity record of NS, please read the heading again but skip the word "not" in the middle to find the truth.
Why is $1.5bn for? There is no free lunch in this world.
Maybe Saudi Arabia can fight it's own war for a change?
$1.5 Billion is far too much money for small arms, boots on the ground, training or consultancy. But is it enough for THE BOMB???? Someone ask the PM !
How about "non state" troops?
It mean they give charity of $1.5b to us ... dear prime minister there are diffidently some thing wrong please ask the truth to the nation.
The categorical statement from the PM will remove the fear and doubt in the mind of the nation that our army was being sent to the slaughterhouses of the ME. Very timely and very reassuring. Thank you very much Mr. Prime Minister.
Good categorical statement. Appreciated.
This will probably end the environment of the uncertainty prevailing in the country with respect to this issue and silence to all who are raising appropriations. Now lets wait for some other story!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Then why was the resolution was passed with PML-N's support against altaf hussain's army remarks...the other day???...confused!!
Going by his track record, I am absolutely certain that NOW Pakistan will send its army to another country while it itself will be burning to ashes.
We know our leader he cant do anything that can put our country at risk... we know you are on right path and you will take our economy to new heights,, but few people are jealoused those work for our foreign enemies and their businesses only base on anarchy and lawlessness..!!
Hats off to Altaf Husain for being unequivocally opposing such possibilities.
I say rent them out and bring us out of debt