Pakistan believes in peaceful neighbourhood, but no one should deem this desire as weakness: PM Shehbaz

RAWALPINDI, Sep 06 (SABAH): Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has said Pakistan believes in peaceful neighbourhood, but no one should deem this desire as weakness.

PM Shehbaz Sharif was addressing a ceremony held at General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi on Friday to mark the Defence and Martyrs Day.

The Prime Minister said Pakistan has always been making efforts for global peace. He, however, said that Pakistan will never make any compromise on its integrity and freedom. The Prime Minister said this day reminds us the unmatched sacrifices of our brave soldiers who fought gallantly for the motherland.

PM Shehbaz Sharif paid glowing tribute to those who lost their loved ones in war against terrorism. He reiterated that the armed forces of Pakistan would continue their operations against terrorists in the country.

“This moment is an honour for me that I am addressing the brave soldiers and families of the martyred of the country. Defence Day is a great reference to Pakistan’s national identity. It reminds us of the sacrifices made by the soldiers for the independence and security of our country,” the premier remarked.

PM Shehbaz Sharif said the Defence Day “reminds us of the national harmony which helped the nation to thwart the nefarious designs of the enemy consumed by the lust for power.”

He saluted the parents of the soldiers who laid their lives in the service of country and promised them to not let their sacrifices go in vain.

The prime minister said that all of us may belong to different fields of life but our war front is the same, which is the development, security and defence. “Pakistan is a junction of various civilisations and several powers have vested interest here, which directly affects the country,” the PM said terming “invincible defence” inevitable for the peace and development of the country.

The premier said Pakistan is a peaceful country and “we have proved it in the 77 years of history that the country doesn’t have violent intentions towards any neigbouring country”.

Pakistan has always played a positive role in the eradication of terrorism, unrest and regional stability, he added. With its nuclear, defence and technological capability, and military capabilities, Pakistan has an undeniable role in the promotion of global peace, the PM said.

“Peace is our prime wish and we desire peaceful relations with our neighbours but we will not compromise our freedom, honour and interest.”

He said that Pakistan has numerous times defeated the enemies but their nefarious plans are still a threat to Pakistan’s existence. He, however, assured the nation that Pakistan will never rest until it crushes the head of terrorism.

“The Armed Forces of Pakistan and the law enforcement agencies will follow the Fitna-al Khawarij and their facilitators wherever they are and will soon achieve success with the national unity.”

Talking about the massive human rights violations being committed by occupation forces in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), PM Shehbaz Sharif once again urged the world leaders to come forward and play their due role for peace in the region.

About continued Israeli barbarism and aggression in Gaza, the Prime Minister urged the international community to raise its voice as it is directly affecting humanity in Palestine.