
RAWALPINDI: Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Raheel Sharif said on Sunday that Pakistan’s armed forces are fully capable to counter any external aggression.Addressing a special ceremony to pay homage to martyrs of Pakistan at GHQ, Rawalpindi, in connection with Defence Day, he said that, “If the enemy tries to impose short or prolonged war on us, it will have to pay an unbearable price.”He went on to say that Pakistan has been facing terrorism and unconventional war for the last many years.The COAS further said Operation Zarb-e-Azb was started at a time when chaotic forces were challenging the state of Pakistan and law and order situation in the country was at its lowest ebb.He said the incident of attack on Army Public School, Peshawar was the worst example of brutality and tyranny.He added that the sacrifices of martyred students and the patience of their parents gave a new energy to the nation's determination to fight the menace of terrorism.He also said most of the terrorists involved in this incident have met their fate.The Army Chief further said armed forces and other security institutions through their sacrifices have established the writ and supremacy of the state.Some excerpts from his speech:“I am extremely proud that today we have amongst us the veterans of that war.”“It has been 50 years since 6 September 1965. Over this period, Pakistan has seen many ups and downs. I can say with a lot of conviction that today our country is much stronger and Pakistani Nation more resolute than ever before. This successful journey was only made possible due to the supreme sacrifices of the martyrs and war veterans of this great nation.”“Ladies and Gentlemen, I wish to commend the Pakistani Media, who have unmasked the real face of terrorists, thus playing a critical role in creating national consensus. This was a difficult and complex undertaking. To make this success comprehensive and enduring, all organs of the state will have to earnestly play their part to achieve the objectives of National Action Plan in the earliest possible time. Today I reiterate the resolve that we shall not relent until all terrorists, their financiers, abettors, facilitators and sympathisers are brought to justice.”“Our national struggle against terrorism has played a vital role for regional and international peace. We hope that the international community acknowledges our extreme sacrifice and would assist us in this endeavour without any prejudice.”“It is pertinent to mention that Kashmir is the unfinished agenda of the partition in sub continent. The innocent people of Indian occupied Kashmir are being subjected to injustice and atrocities for over the last seven decades. It should be clearly understood that enduring peace in the region will not be possible without a just resolution of Kashmir. The issue can no longer be put on the back burner. The time has come that Kashmir issue should be resolved in line with the aspirations of its people in accordance with UN resolutions.”“Ladies and Gentlemen; I am proud to command one of the most battle hardened Armies of the world, which has no parallels. Armed forces of Pakistan are fully capable to deal all types of internal and external threats, may it be conventional or sub-conventional; whether it is cold start or hot start. We are ready.”“In the end, I take this opportunity to once again salute the martyrs and veterans for their unforgettable sacrifice and contribution in the defence of our beloved Motherland. While standing amongst the dear families of martyrs, I reiterate our resolve that we would not let their blood go in vain. Long live Pakistan Army, Long Live Pakistan.”Chairman Senate Raza Rabbani, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Information Minister Pervaiz Rashid, Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, Minister for States and Frontier Regions Abdul Qadir Baloch, Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Khursheed Shah, Prime Minister's advisor on National Security and Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Rashad Mehmood, Air Chief Marshal Sohail Aman, and Naval Chief Admiral Zakaullah were among the attendees of the ceremony.Relatives of martyrs, parliamentarians, diplomats, military and civilian officials and people from different walks of life also attended.Documentaries showing the valour of the personnel of armed forces were screened and milli songs were also presented on the occasion.