RAWALPINDI (INP): Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa has said that Pakistan rendered matchless sacrifices in war on terror but still the country was accused of not doing enough to eradicate the menace of terrorism.
Addressing the participants of a ceremony in connection the Defence Day held at General Headquarters (GHQ) on Wednesday, COAS General Qamar Javed Bajwa said that if Pakistan hasn’t done enough while fighting against terrorism, then no country of the world has done so.
He made it clear that Pakistan has done enough in war on terror and now it was time for the world to do more. Armed forces of Pakistan have paid with their blood the cost of wars from Operation Sher-e-Dil till Radd-ul-Fasaad, the Army Chief said adding that that Islam clearly states jihad to be the state’s responsibility.
While talking about Balochistan, General Qamar Javed Bajwa said that the anti-state elements stirring unrest in the province were being watched closely and steps being taken to deal with t hem. The Army Chief said that Pakistanis belonging to all ethnicities are ready to lay their lives for peace and stability in Balochistan.
Regarding Afghanistan, General Qamar Javed said Pakistan has tried to support its neighbouring country beyond its means. “But we can’t fight the Afghan war in Pakistan.”
However, he added, if the international powers cannot support Pakistan then they should at least not hurl accusations. “The international powers should not hold us responsible for their shortcomings”
About Pakistan’s relations with the United States, the army chief said the country wanted to have friendly ties with the US, not its aid. General Qamar Javed also urged the international community to take steps for the Muslims in Myanmar.
The event started with children presenting a tableau. Later, the crowd stood up to the national anthem. During the event sacrifices of the officers were highlighted. A guard of honour was presented by smartly turned out contingent of Pakistan Army.
Earlier in the day, Defence Day was celebrated in different parts of the country, with a show by the armed forces being held by the armed forces at Karachi’s Clifton beach. A change of guard ceremony was also held at the mausoleums of Allama Iqbal in Lahore and Mazar-e-Quaid in Karachi.
