Pakistani forces fully capable of deterring any aggression, says Arif Alvi

KAKUL: President Dr Arif Alvi confers award to a Cadet during the Passing out parade at Pakistan Military Academy Kakul. Cadets of 139th PMA Long Course, 9th Mujahid Course, 58th Integrated Course and 14th Lady Cadet Course passed out on completion of training. Cadets from Saudi Arabia and Sri Lanka are also among passed out courses.

RAWALPINDI/KAKUL: President Arif Alvi said that Pakistani armed forces were fully capable of deterring and defeating aggression across the complete spectrum of the threat.

The president made the remarks while addressing participants of a passing-out ceremony at Pakistan Military Academy, Kakul. He was the chief guest of the passing-out parade of cadets of 139th Long Course, 9th Mujahid Course, 58th Integrated Course and 14th Lady Cadet Course upon completion of their training.

The chief guest reviewed the parade and gave awards to the distinguished cadets, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement. The ‘Sword of Honour’ was awarded to Academy Senior Under Officer Haider Ali Khan, president’s gold medal awarded to Battalion Senior Under Officer Muhammad Umar Khan and commandant’s cane to two cadets, Course Under Officer Mohammad Shahzad from Mujahid Course and Course Under Officer Ahmed Bilal from Integrated Course.

The chairman joint chiefs of staff committee (CJCSC) overseas gold medal was awarded to Under Officer Abryrathns from Sri Lanka, and the commandant’s cane to Course Under Officer Ayesha Shakeel from Lady Cadet Course.

Speaking on the occasion, the president congratulated the passed-out cadets and their families.

“You will be leading some of the best trained, motivated and battle-hardened soldiers in the world. Bear in mind that your nation reposes great trust in you and it must be maintained by achieving high standard of professional excellence,” he said.

“Pakistan armed forces today are highly motivated, battle-hardened, and fully aware of the multitude of the threats to our beloved country. I have no doubt that Pakistan armed forces are fully capable of deterring and defeating aggression across the complete spectrum of threat.”

President Alvi said the recent stand-off on their eastern front held testimony to that very fact.

“While our operational preparedness and befitting response defeated the nefarious designs of the enemy, it also amplifies our sincere intentions for peace and relationship based on sovereign, equality and mutual respect. Pakistan seeks a relationship based on sovereign equality and mutual respect with its neighbours,” he said.

“Pakistan has been and will always remain promoter of peace as part of its national policy. Let there be no doubt that any misadventure and even the slightest breach of our national security will get a befitting response and no sacrifice will be considered too great in accomplishing this sacred cause.”

The chief guest said Pakistan is a global participant in combating the menace of terrorism and it will continue to play this role with due national resolve.

He further said that Pakistan will continue to stand by its Kashmiri brethren in their legitimate struggle and right to self-determination.

“While we continue to put our resolute moral, political efforts to find the solution to this conflict, we will leave no stone un-turned in exposing the perpetrators, suppressors of innocent Kashmiris. I urge the world powers to take stock of the plight of the Kashmiri people in the light of the resolutions of the United Nations Security Council,” the president said.

“The challenges and complexities faced by Pakistan are immense and are ever-growing in nature. However, the success that we have achieved as a nation against the scourge of terrorism has no parallel in the contemporary world.”

He told the passed-out cadets that Pakistan Army had played a pivotal role in this entire effort and it was upon them now to further the gains through their unwavering commitment and sound character.

“Sacrifices rendered by our brave soldiers and officers for peace in the past are matchless. The world must act against the blatant violation of the fundamental human rights in Indian occupied Kashmir,” he said.

A large number of senior serving and retired military officials, diplomats and relatives of passing-out cadets also witnessed the parade.