We will preserve our Azadi with honour and dignity: Kayani

Chief of Army Staff General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani on Friday assured the nation that 'we will preserve our Azadi with honour and dignity', and from position of strength'. "Let no one underestimate the resolve of the Armed Forces, and, resilience of Pakistan nation," he said addressing the dawn of 63rd Indipendence Day of Pakistan Parade at the Military Academy here. He said "we are a peaceful nation with no aggressive designs, However we are concerned at massive arms acquisition in the regions". He said that Azadi brings both liberty and responsibility. "Azadi demands collective responsibility to defend Pakistan, to further Pakistan's interests and to serve our motherland. This demands of us to refocus on ideals of Quaid-e-Azam; that is Unity, Faith, Unity and Discipline." "Let us therefore," he said, "on this day pledge to the solidarity and territorial integrity of Pakistan. On this Azadi day, let us pledge to preserve and protect the Pakistan of Quaid-e-Azam and Allama Iqbal." He said that the nation of Pakistan and its identity is based on 'Two Nation Theory'. "Islam is the soul and spirit of Pakistan. Islam is our strength". "We are and shall always remain Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Inshallah". He emphasised that no extremist or terrorist can impose his distorted version of Islam through violent means. "We, in Pakistan, are committed to defend our country against all external and internal threats." He said Pakistan's current fight is against extremism and terrorism. "This is not a fight based on religion, ethnicity, sub-nationalism, or provincialism." He said that a terrorist has not caste, creed and religion. "He (Terrorist) respects no boundaries and has no nationality. Extremists are those who have blinded themselves in a self righteous mode and are not amenable to reason and logic. When this small majority resorts to coercion, through terror and violence, to impose their will on the majority, they run into terrorists." He said that the valiant nation of 170 million people will not bow down these handful of extremists. He said that Armed Forces of Pakistan have made tremendous sacrifices to rid the country of the menace of terrorism. Recent operations of Malakand Division are clear examples of the will, determination and professionalism of the Armed Forces. "Within a span of four months a complex military operation was conducted and concluded to establish writ of the Government. This was made possible only due to the unflinching support of the entire nation, and the great sacrifices made by the people of Malakand and the Armed Forces." He said that during the recent operations over 300 soldiers embraced Shahadat and over 900 others were wounded. "In line with our proud traditions of leading from the front, 38 officers and JCOs embraced Shahadat and 61 were wounded." He acknowledged and paid rich tributes to the sacrifices of the soldiers and to their families who have displayed tremendous courage and pride in the sacrifice of their beloved ones. "I salute the great mothers who rendered sacrifices". He said that this operation resulted in displacement of over 2.5 million people who endured this suffering with great sense of sacrifice and patriotism. He said most of those displaced people have returned to their homes and it was possible through comprehensive and integrated approach adopted by the Government and overwhelming support to the Armed Forces by the people of Pakistan and media. He cautioned against absolute notions, "let it be clear that there is no notion of absolute victory in this struggle. Attempts to impose a pure military solution, through brute application of military force, is a dangerous and destructive propositions. Use of force should be the last resort and to the extent necessary to achieve peace, security and stability. This is our country, our motherland and the ultimate objective must be to reconcile and unite and not to divide and destroy". He said as the complexity of environment has increased, so have our challenges. "Today our challenges are far greater and complex than ever before. We will require absolute faith, conviction and moral strength to stand our ground; and stand we must and stand we will, Inshallah". Earlier, he reviewed the parade and hoisted the National Flag to mark the occasion. Children presented national songs and accumulated thunderous applause from the participants who included senior Military Officers, their families, and families and next of kin of Shaheeds. It is the second time that the Azadi Parade is held at PMA Kakul and Pakistan is amongst a few nations which holds the night parade event. Various news channels carried the live telecast of the parade. The function concluded with a lively fire work show.