On Defense Day, a function was held at the GHQ in Rawalpindi, with President Arif Alvi as the chief guest, and all three service chiefs and cabinet members in attendance.
According to Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa, no individual or group will be allowed to blackmail the state based on regionalism, language, ideology, or religion. In his remarks during the ceremony, Gen Bajwa stated that protecting the motherland is unquestionably a holy obligation “that is dearer to us than life itself.”
The President, along with the Army Chief, lay flowers and offered Fateh at the Martyrs’ Memorial.
Bajwa added that “The sacrifices of our martyrs are an expression of the same spirit of love for our homeland. Our elders lit the candle of freedom with their sacrifice, which faced severe trials from the beginning, be it 1948, September 1965, or the 1971 war, the Battle of Kargil, or the long-running war on terror.”
Bajwa added that the Pakistan army has always proved itself in the harsh times of crisis by showing that they know how to defend their country. He assured the families of the shahada that the sacrifices made by the martyrs will never be forgotten.
Bajwa told everyone that the security of Pakistan is the utmost priority of everyone. The main purpose of the held ceremony is to make sure that we never forget our martyrs and it is our duty to look over their families.
He stated that love for the country transcends all personal groups formed based on linguistic, ethnic, and prejudices, and that “we will not be afraid to make any sacrifice for Pakistan’s security, growth, and peace.”
The Pakistan army is prepared for all external and internal threats. Bajwa added that the Pakistan Army has the potential of fighting conventional as well as non-conventional war; if anybody wants to test us, they will see that we are always ready.
In addition to this, Bajwa also said that our enemies try to attack us by spreading rumors and propaganda.
We must all deal with the truth that some people are being utilized under the banner of anti-national elements; this is known as hybrid or fifth-generation warfare, and its goal is to hollow out Pakistan’s roots and undermine the country’s integrity.
Bajwa said that in the 21st century, we must work on:
- Geo-economic priorities.
- Regional integration.
- The acquisition of modern technology to promote people’s development.
- Prosperity.
- Regional cooperation.
Bajwa also emphasized on:
- Education.
- Health.
- Infrastructure development.
- Population control.
- Climate change.
Afghanistan Issue
Chief of Army Staff, Qamar Javed Bajwa also commented on the Afghanistan issue. He said that “we are keeping a close watch on the situation in the region, especially after the withdrawal of foreign troops from Afghanistan, where the situation provides an opportunity for peace and stability, as it is a prelude to further threats and difficulties.”
As it turns out, “we desire the security and development of the Afghan people,” according to Bajwa, and he expects significant countries in the area and around the world, including the United Nations, to play a positive role in bringing lasting peace to Afghanistan.
Bajwa said that we as a nation are aware of the destruction caused by war and the hardships which follow so we exactly know what our Afghan brothers are going through. Pakistan only wishes that the leadership of Afghanistan resolves all issues in between themselves to bring peace and prosperity.
Furthermore, it is expected of Afghanistan to maintain a stable government while providing human and women rights to its people and women respectively. It should be maintained that Afghan soil may not be used against any other country, but it is also a fact that the world will not leave the Afghan nation in such a difficult time.
Lastly, he added, that Pakistan is ready to cooperate with all the countries of the world in providing support and assistance to the Afghan nation.
