President Arif Alvi has said that Pakistan is a peaceful country and Islamabad looks forward for resolution of all issues with its neighbours in a peaceful manner.
Addressing the 10th International Defence Exhibition and Seminar (IDEAS 2018) at Expo Centre in Karachi on Tuesday, Alvi said: “Pakistan’s weapons are for peaceful intent and will be used for defence, not offence.”
“We will take every step possible for country’s defence,” said the president who was the chief guest at the inaugural ceremony of the four-day international defence exhibition being attended by 262 high-level delegations from 51 countries.
Alvi added, “We have handled our borders strongly and sent a strong message to our neighbours. We have handled terrorism with great success.”
Appreciating sacrifices of the Pakistan Army in the war against terrorism, the president said, “The Pakistan Army has an important role in elimination of terrorism and is a strong wall against terrorists.”
He added that the Pakistan Army was one of the most experienced forces in the world in war on terror and the country was proud of its martyrs. The president said that terrorism had caused a serious damage to the Pakistan’s economy. “Around 3.2 million people who had been affected by Afghan war were given refuge in Pakistan,” he said. The government was also trying its best to improve economic situation of the country, he maintained.
“Our constitution provides all forms of security to all of its citizens. The well-being of the nation is government’s responsibility and government is on the path to Naya Pakistan,” he concluded.
Published in Daily Times, November 28th 2018.