KHAIRPUR TAMEWALI, Pakistan: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has said that enemies of Pakistan have made their intentions well known, and emphasised that any effort to harm national security and territorial integrity will meet a befitting response.
While addressing a ceremony marking culmination of exercise Strike of Thunder (Raadul Barq) in Khairpur Tamewali in Bahawalpur on Wednesday, 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 that 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 that we cannot remain detached from recent developments in the region.
The prime minister said that it was extremely unfortunate that South Asia remains prone to confrontation. He said that Jammu and Kashmir dispute remains the core issue of contention between Pakistan and India, adding that it must be addressed in a sincere and comprehensively manner in keeping with aspirations of Kashmiri people and relevant United Nations resolutions.
Sharif said that brutal tactics used to curb recent spontaneous and indigenous movement in Jammu and Kashmir have been counterproductive. He said that 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 Zarb-e-Azb as the most comprehensive, robust and successful anti-terrorism operation anywhere in the world.
The prime minister said that economic prosperity is significant especially to our strategic vision. He said that Pakistan believes regional connectivity is vital process of uplifting conditions of millions of people in the region.
Moreover, the prime minister said that China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is on its way to become fully operational in coming months and years. He said that every effort will be made to ensure that all CPEC projects are completed within given time frame.
Sharif said that 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 that first trade caravan has departed from Gwadar which is more than a commercial activity. He said that 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 that terrorism is aimed at Pakistan’s destabilization and our nation and armed forces are successfully countering their malicious designs.
Meanwhile, the prime minister witnessed ‘Raad ul Barq’ – Thunder of Lightening – military exercise in Khairpur Tamewali firing range of Cholistan desert.
The comprehensive joint exercise conducted by Pakistan Army and Pakistan Air Force (PAF) showcased the combat-readiness of the country’s defence line with live firepower demonstration using heavy artillery, fighter jets and air defence weapons.
The Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Rashad Mahmoud and the three services chiefs were also present on the occasion.
