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Comprehensive efforts needed to eradicate extremism: Kayani
KAKUL: The Vice Chief of the Army Staff (VOAS), General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani, on Saturday said that Pakistan Army would spare no effort as part of the national strategy to assist the government and eradicate the menace of extremism and obscurantism with the support and help of the people of the country; a national-level comprehensive strategy is needed to combat the challenge put up by the extremists.
"We would like to continue on the path of progress, so that our future generations live in peace, prosperity and security," he said while addressing the passing out parade of 116 PMA, 30 Graduate, 35 Integrated Course and second Ladies Integrated Course at the Pakistan Military Academy.
Addressing the parade, he congratulated the passing out cadets on successful completion of training and on grant of commission in the Pakistan Army. He said this day was of great significance for cadets who would leave the academy and join the army. The vice chief of the army staff said the country was faced with a difficult environment. "Our country is facing a significant threat from forces of extremism and obscurantism. Despite being in minority, they have the potential to destabilise our socio-political order and retard economic progress achieved in the last decade," he said.
He said the only way to foil and defeat full spectrum of the threats was through a comprehensive national effort, where all segments of the society played their rightful role.
General Kayani said today the cadets would join Pakistan Army, which was a proud and professional institution with rich history and valued traditions. "Army is a national institution with representation from all parts of the country," he said. He said the Army had never been in better shape than what it was today and modernization plans would effectively meet the challenges of the present and future conflicts. Pakistan Army is fully capable of ensuring security and integrity of Pakistan, with the people of Pakistan firmly behind it, he added.
"We must thank the nation for sacrificing so much and providing us with resources and support to remain fully prepared. We must uphold the trust by making the defence of Pakistan impregnable," he said.
Presently, he said, the Pakistan Army was engaged in multi-faceted tasks both inside and outside. As the largest troops contributing country, the army is engaged in service of peace under the United Nations’ banner and its performance has been praised globally.
Internally, General Kayani said Pakistan Army had been undertaking a number of development works, especially in the tribal areas and Balochistan for the good of the people. The Army will continue its contribution in such tasks with unflinching zeal and commitment, he said.
He paid rich tributes to the officers and troops of Pakistan Army, Frontier Corps and other law enforcement agencies who have given the ultimate sacrifice both on the Line of Control in Kashmir and Siachen and while combating extremism and terrorism.
The VCOAS said at the country's western borders, the Pakistan Army faced the most challenging environment and its troops were performing a very difficult task, assigned to them by the government. "I have no doubt that we shall succeed in our endeavour, with the support of our countrymen," he said.
"While we are modernizing and restructuring Pakistan Army, we should remain focused in pursuit of professional excellence. This is a force multiplier, which will further enhance our operational preparedness," he said.
Courtesy Geo