Pakistan steadfast in fighting anti-state elements: PM

BHAWALPUR: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has emphatically stated that any effort to harm national security and territorial integrity will meet a befitting response.

He was addressing a ceremony marking culmination of exercise ‘Strike of Thunder’ (Raadul Barq) in Khairpur Tamewali in district Bahawalpur. Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif was also present on the occasion.

The Prime Minister pointed out that the exercise ‘Strike of Thunder’ established that Pakistan is ready to confront any ambitious and reckless move by its enemies.

Nawaz Sharif said the government is committed to following a policy of non-interference in other countries’ internal affairs and expects the same from others to enable lasting peace in the region. He said we cannot remain detached from recent developments in the region.

The Prime Minister said it was extremely unfortunate that South Asia remains prone to confrontation. Jammu and Kashmir dispute remains the core issue of contention between Pakistan and India.

It must be addressed in a sincere and comprehensively manner in keeping with aspirations of Kashmiri people and relevant UN resolutions.

He said brutal tactics used to curb recent spontaneous and indigenous movement in Jammu and Kashmir have been counter productive. He said killing of our innocent civilians and soldiers along the Line of Control is another act of aggression which warrants international attention.

Referring to terrorism, the Prime Minister described Operation Zarb-e-Azb as the most comprehensive, robust and successful anti-terrorism operation anywhere in the world.

The Prime Minister said economic prosperity is significant especially to our strategic vision. Pakistan believes regional connectivity is vital process of uplifting conditions of millions of people in the region.

He said China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is on its way to become fully operational in coming months and years. Every effort will be made to ensure that all CPEC projects are completed within given time frame.

As part of the government’s overall developmental agenda no province or region would be left out with respect to benefits deriving from CPEC.

He said first trade caravan has departed from Gwadar which is more than a commercial activity. Pakistan has become part of the trade route which would change destiny of our region.

The Prime Minister said enemies of Pakistan have made their intentions well known. He said terrorism is aimed at Pakistan’s destabilization and our nation and armed forces are successfully countering their malicious designs.

Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Rashad Mahmoud and the three services chiefs were also present on the occasion. The exercises carried out jointly by Pakistan Army and Air Force.