RAWALPINDI: Outgoing Army chief, General Raheel Sharif warned India not to mistake Pakistan’s patience for weakness, otherwise it would prove dangerous.

General Sharif who handed over power to his successor General Bajwa in a ceremony on Tuesday said in recent months, increasing state terrorism in Indian occupied Kashmir, and India’s aggressive steps had put the region’s peace in danger.

“I want to make it clear to India that considering our policy of restraint a weakness would be dangerous for her,” he said to applause.

“This is reality, that in South Asia, lasting peace and progress is impossible without solution of the Kashmir issue. For that, international community’s special attention is necessary,” he continued.

General Raheel also thanked the Armed Forces and the Pakistani nation for their resolve and support during every step of his journey.

The outgoing COAS said he always prioritised national interest in every decision he made during his tenure as army chief.

“I am absolutely certain the Pakistan Army will always fulfill the nation’s expectations,” he said.

Lauding the efforts of the Armed Forces in the war against terror, Gen Raheel Sharif said the war has been successful and its results are evident today. However, the security situation in the region remains complicated, he added.

“It is the need of the hour that the entire nation unites to counter the challenges Pakistan faces,” the outgoing army chief said.

The outgoing COAS said the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is a great example of budding peace and prosperity in the region.

“The first CPEC shipment at Gwadar Port has proven that the country’s journey to progress cannot be stopped now,” he said, adding that the enemies of CPEC should stop bashing the project and start benefiting from it.

Gen Raheel Sharif said he believes in strong institutions and called for all the institutions to work together for peace and prosperity of the country.