Pakistan’s fight is now against poverty, unemployment, economic backwardness: Army Chief

RAWALPINDI: Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa on Friday said Pakistan’s fight now was against poverty, unemployment and economic backwardness following successfully confronting the menace of terrorism.
Paying tributes to the martyrs and Ghazis, while addressing a main ceremony in connection with Defense and Martyrs Day at the General Headquarters in Rawalpindi, the army chief said the entire nation was proud of their courage and resolve. He said those sacrifices and courage and resolve of the entire nation was the guarantee of bright future of Pakistan.
He said today there was a better environment of peace in Pakistan and the country gave the message of peace and security to the world. He said Pakistan had fulfilled its responsibilities in the war on terrorism and now responsibility rested with the world community to fulfill its responsibility and reject all forms of terrorism and extremism.
‘Pak Army not to refrain from sacrificing in defence of motherland’
General Qamar Javed Bajwa emphatically stated that Pakistan’s armed forces had not and would not refrain from any sacrifice for the defense of the motherland.
He said a peaceful, strong and prosperous Pakistan is our destination and we are steadfastly moving towards that end.
Bajwa said the country’s armed forces ensured the security of the motherland by rendering sacrifices both in the conventional war and the fight against terrorism. He pointed out that Pakistan registered unparalleled successes in the war against terrorism which are an example for the whole world.
“Our soldiers stood like a rock wall in this long war against terrorists and foiled the nefarious designs of the enemy. They sacrificed their today for our better tomorrow,” he said.
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On Kashmir, the army chief voiced serious concerns over the prevailing situation in occupied Kashmir. He said Kashmiri population was the victim of the oppression and tyranny of India’s Hindutava government. He said state terrorism was on the surge in the held valley.
“Kashmir is an unfinished agenda of the completion of Pakistan and it will remain so until the outstanding dispute is resolved in accordance with the UN Security Council resolutions and aspirations of Kashmiri people,” he said.
General Qamar Javed Bajwa assured the Kashmiri people that Pakistan will not leave them alone or at the mercy of circumstances. He said the hearts of both Pakistanis and Kashmiris beat together.
“Pakistan is a peace loving country but the tyranny unleashed against the Kashmiri people is a test of our patience. The valiant people and armed forces of Pakistan are ready to sacrifice anything for their Kashmiri brethern. Kashmir is our jugular vein. We will fulfill our commitment towards Kashmir till last bullet, soldier and breath. Pakistan will go to any extent in support of oppressed Kashmiri people,” he said.