Says Pakistan ready for ‘hot or cold start’, ‘traditional or non-traditional war’; Kashmir unfinished agenda of partition; writ of the state well established; most of the terrorists involved in APS incident brought to justice; won’t relent until all terrorists, their financiers, abettors, facilitators and sympathisers brought to justice; great deal of success achieved in establishing peace in Karachi, Balochistan; CPEC important for region; proud to command one of most battle-hardened armies of the world; forces trying to undermine our efforts for Afghan peace won’t succeed; commends media for unmasking terrorists

RAWALPINDI: Army Chief General Raheel Sharif on Sunday said the time has come to resolve the Kashmir issue according to the UN resolutions. Answering the provocative statements of Indian leaders, he said Pakistan is ready for any ‘traditional’ or ‘non-traditional’ war, and any ‘cold’ or ‘hot start’.

He was speaking to a magnificent ceremony at the General Headquarters (GHQ) to mark Defence Day. According to ISPR, he said, “Today’s Defence Day is of immense significance. September 6 is a day of great importance in our national history. This is the day when the enemy dared to attack our country. In response, our valiant armed forces and the nation stood together to successfully defend and inflict a humiliating defeat on the aggressor. I am extremely proud that today we have amongst us the veterans of that war.

“It has been 50 years since September 6, 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 the 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. Let me reiterate that our armed forces stand fully capable to defeat all sorts of external aggression. If the enemy ever resorts to any

misadventure, regardless of its size and scale, it will have to pay an unbearable cost.

“Ladies and gentlemen; over the past many years, Pakistan has been confronted with terrorism and sub-conventional war. Operation Zarb-e-Azb was launched at a time when the forces of disorder were challenging the state of Pakistan. The law and order situation in the country was abysmal and deteriorating. The APS Peshawar incident was an inhuman and barbaric act of horrendous proportions.

“However, the sacrifice of the martyred children and immense fortitude of their parents reinvigorated the national resolve against terrorism. I can assure you that most of the terrorists involved in that incident have already been brought to justice. With the blessings of Allah Almighty and prayers of the nation, the armed forces and other law enforcement agencies of Pakistan, through untiring efforts and sacrifice, have brought the situation under control, and the writ of the state has been well established.

“Ladies and gentlemen, I wish to commend the Pakistani media, which has 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 sympathizers are brought to justice.

“Through concerted civil-military effort, a great deal of success has been achieved in establishing peace in Karachi and Balochistan. Allah willing, we will continue our efforts to bring these operations to their logical conclusion.

“The China Pakistan Economic Corridor is of importance not just for Pakistan but for as the entire region. Its completion is a national obligation; and the armed forces of Pakistan will fully play their part in bringing this project to fruition.

“I salute my patriotic brothers from Fata for their extreme sacrifices. The process of the return of Temporarily Displaced Persons has already begun; it is our sincere endeavour that these people are able to get back to their homes as early as possible in order to start a better life.

“Our young generation is the prime focus of all our efforts, they are the real embodiment of the nation’s future. The armed forces of Pakistan whole heartedly share the passion and fervor of our youth.

“I must highlight that the aggravating security situation in Afghanistan is a point of serious concern. We have strong historical and blood ties with Afghanistan and no power on earth can disrupt this relationship. We have made concerted and sincere efforts for bringing peace in Afghanistan but certain inimical forces are bent upon undermining our efforts. Allah willing their nefarious design will never succeed.

“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 assists us in this endeavour without any prejudice.

“It is pertinent to mention that Kashmir is the unfinished agenda of the partition of the subcontinent. The innocent people of Indian occupied Kashmir are being subjected to injustice and atrocities for over the last seven decades. It should be clearly the 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 backburner. The time has come that the Kashmir issue 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. The armed forces of Pakistan are fully capable to deal all types of internal and external threats, be they 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 will not let their blood go in vain.”

