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Nation united to tackle challenges confronting Pakistan, says COAS

* General Kayani says Pakistan faces ‘tremendous challenges’
* Pakistan under threat from India, but country can go to any extent to safeguard sovereignty

By Sajjad Malik

RISALPUR: Pakistanis will not allow extremism and terrorism to flourish in the country, and the nation stands fully united in meeting challenges confronting the country, Chief of Army Staff Gen Ashfaq Kayani said on Wednesday. “We will not allow extremism and terrorism to intimidate us ... we will prevail, the nation will succeed,” said Kayani while addressing an officer graduation parade and commissioning of various courses at the PAF Academy.

‘Tremendous challenges’: The army chief said Pakistan was facing “tremendous challenges”, but hoped that the nation of 170 million had the will and resolve to surmount the challenges. “The nation stands fully united in confronting these challenges,” he added.

Kayani praised the role of the army and the Pakistani Air Force (PAF) in the ongoing war on terror and recent military operations. “The close support and battle area surveillance provided to our troops on the ground greatly contributed to the success of these operations. I commend the PAF for a job well done,” he said. Kayani said Pakistan’s armed forces were fully aware of the threats confronting the nations. “Let no one misjudge our resolve ... we will protect and defend Pakistan,” he said.

He said the successful operations in Swat were a testament to the competence of the armed forces, while the South Waziristan offensive was also proof of the armed forces’ determination and professionalism.

The COAS said the people of Pakistan and its armed forces were committed to alleviating the sufferings of people displaced amid operations in Malakand and Waziristan. “This is in line with our traditions of hospitality and sacrifice. This goodness of society is our forte,” he added.

India: According to a private TV channel, Kayani hinted that Pakistan was still under threat from India, but said the country would go to any extent to safeguard its sovereignty.

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