RAW-linked terror bid foiled ahead of Defence Day

PM says Pakistan aware of conspiracies of enemies; president says any threat to security will be frustrated

ISLAMABAD:

As the nation prepared to mark the golden jubilee celebrations of Defence Day, the military said it had thwarted a major terror attack in Quetta and arrested a terrorist who confessed to his links with the Indian spy agency, the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW).

“In an intelligence-based operation a big terrorists’ attempt in Quetta planned for Defence Day was thwarted,” the military’s media wing, the ISPR, said in a statement. It added that a terrorist with a remote-controlled improvised explosive device, weighing over six kilos with mortar bombs and nut bolts, has been arrested.

“Another IED which he had already planted was defused. He confessed [to] his links with RAW,” it further said. “He also confessed to planting IEDs in Quetta twice before, leading to many deaths.”

Authorities have put in place elaborate security arrangements for the day which will start with a 31-gun salute in the federal capital along with 21 mortar fires in all provincial capitals.

A committee, formed by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to oversee celebration of 50th anniversary of 1965 war, has decided the entire nation will observe one-minute of silence from 9:29 am to 9:30 am on Sunday. Later, the national anthem will be played by all media outlets from 9:30 am to 9:32 am. All roads and railway traffic will come to a halt for that fleeting minute.

The move is part of the comprehensive month-long programme chalked out to pay homage to the martyrs of the 1965 war and to pay tribute to the people from all walks of life who played their role while the armed forces were busy in defending the motherland.

Special prayers will be offered for the solidarity, integrity and prosperity of the motherland in mosques across the country. Floral wreaths will be laid and Fateha will be offered at the graves and monuments of the recipients of Nishan-e-Haider, the highest gallantry award. Messages from respective service chiefs will be read out to the troops.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif pointed out that Defence Day reminds us of the unflinching resolve, determination, courage and bravery of the Pakistani nation. “Today we are celebrating the golden jubilee of those memorable moments, when our brave armed forces not only successfully defended the country’s frontiers but also thwarted the nefarious designs of the enemy,” he said in his message.

“The nation today pays its respect to its martyrs and ghazis who charted out new chapters in the annals of history with shining examples of valour and courage.  The same spirit of service to the nation and dedication to the duty remains a hallmark of the armed forces today, he added. “Our courageous officers and jawans, while following in the footsteps of their glorious past, are defending the internal and external frontiers successfully.”

The prime minister said the armed forces, apart from keeping a vigil on the air, sea and land frontiers, have also played an unprecedented role in addressing the internal issues, like terrorism. He added that the success of Operation Zarb-e-Azb was living proof that the country’s armed forces were fully capable of meeting any challenge to national security.

Prime Minister Nawaz said there was no doubt that Pakistan is a responsible and peaceful nuclear state. “We are desirous of having good and peaceful relations with all our neighbours on the basis of sovereign equality,” he said, but at the same time “we remain aware of the conspiracies and tactics of the enemies”.  “I wish to make it clear that we will safeguard the sovereignty and security of Pakistan at all costs.”

Separately in his message, President Mamnoon Hussain said the armed forces are successfully braving the challenges and frustrating enemy designs on both internal and external fronts being equipped with professional preparedness of modern day warfare, traditional courage and commitment.

President Mamnoon said the lesson learnt from the 1965 war was clear that unity and oneness, commitment and courage and spirit of sacrifice if combined together can make a nation invincible and its defence impregnable.

 

Published in The Express Tribune, September 6^th, 2015.