Pakistan, a powerful but peace-loving nation: President

ISLAMABAD, Mar 25 (APP):President Dr Arif Alvi Monday said that Pakistan was a powerful country but it always desired peace.

Addressing an award distribution ceremony among the organizers of the Pakistan Day parade (March 23), the president said Pakistan Army was among the strongest, most experienced and well-disciplined armies in the world.

He said every Pakistani was ready to render sacrifice for his homeland and this patriotic passion had further been enriched by the Pakistan Day parade that had reflected the country’s defence capabilities, professionalism and national solidarity.

He told the audience that Pakistan Day parade did convey a message of Pakistan, being a powerful nation.

Paying homage to their valor, the president said Pakistan’s Armed Forces always kept the national flag flying and had set a precedent by fighting out the terrorism.

He said Pakistan had rendered immense sacrifices in its fight against terrorism besides learning a lot during this course.

Referring to Pulwama incident, the president said baseless allegations had been hurled against Pakistan but the country acted responsibly. However, Pakistan had categorically warned the enemy against any aggression and in case of any misadventure, Pakistan would retaliate forcefully.

Similarly, Pakistan gave a befitting response when India violated its airspace.
He said despite provocation from across the border, the country showed restraint and gave the world a message of peace.

He said it was a matter of pride for Pakistani nation that despite being a powerful country, it always promoted peace.

He said Pakistan was passing through a different phase under an honest and credible leadership.

The president cited the sayings of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah regarding the responsibilities of the Armed Forces saying that they would carry forward the high values of their sages whenever the country needed them for its defence and safeguard the national security and dignity.

President Alvi said Pakistan’s Armed Forces always came up to the pubic expectations and felicitated the Armed Forces, the contingents of paramilitary troops and civil administration for successfully holding the Pakistan Day parade what he said was a brilliant demonstration of professional competence and defence capabilities.

He particularly thanked the friendly countries including Saudi Arabia, Azerbaijan, Sri Lanka, Brunei, Bahrain, Turkey and China for participating the annual event.
He said different floats had depicted the national culture in varying styles.

Earlier, the president also distributed prizes among the organizers of the parade.