ISLAMABAD: President Mamnoon Hussain Thursday termed Pakistan’s defence as ‘impregnable’ and maintained that country’s conventional and nuclear capabilities were meant to ensure global and regional peace.
Addressing the Pakistan Day parade at the Shakarparian Parade Ground, the president said Pakistan wanted peaceful and friendly relations with its neighbours. However, he regretted the irresponsible attitude of India and its continuous violations at the Line of Control as well as the Working Boundary had put the region’s peace and stability at risk.
Mamnoon termed Kashmir an ‘unfinished agenda of the sub-continent’s partition’ and said Pakistan would continue to extend moral, political and diplomatic support to its Kashmiri brethren. He urged upon the international community to fulfill its obligation in this regard so as to realize the dream of regional stability and sustainable peace.
“Pakistan is ready to hold negotiations with India and also wants to resolve the issue of Kashmir in accordance with the resolutions of United Nations,” he stressed.
President Mamnoon mentioned that Pakistan was fighting the menace of terrorism for the last several years and lauded the services of the country’s armed forces and law enforcement agencies. “It is the sacrifices of our shaheeds and ghazis that have made Pakistan stronger than ever,” he said. He categorically maintained that Operation Radd-ul-Fasaad, launched after the Operation Zarb-e-Azb, would continue till complete elimination of terrorists.
The event was attended by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee chairman, three services chiefs, ministers and parliamentarians. Chief of South African National Defence Forces General Solly Zacharia, ambassadors and military representatives of friendly countries also joined as special guests.
The highlight of the parade was the first-time participation of tri-services contingents of China’s People Liberation Army, Saudi Arabia’s Special Forces and Turkey’s Mehtar Band in the parade along with Pakistani troops.
The day dawned with a 31-gun salute in the federal capital and 21-gun salutes in provincial capitals. The parade ceremony commenced with the singing of the national anthem.
The parade showcased the local cultures of the four provinces, while models of historical regional landmarks were presented on the floats. Pakistan Army tanks, including the Al Khalid and Al Zarrar, presented gun salutes to the chief guest. During the parade radars systems and other weapons equipped with military technology were also presented.