IN his address at the Pakistan Day Parade, President Asif Ali Zardari reaffirmed the nation’s unwavering commitment to stand united against any internal or external threat.
His speech resonated with a strong sense of national pride, underlining the collective resolve of both civilians and the defence forces to protect the country’s sovereignty and integrity.
In times of challenge, President Zardari reminded us of the sacrifices made by the people and military, emphasizing that the nation will remain resolute in the face of adversity.
He reiterated that no force, whether internal or external, will be allowed to undermine the peace and stability of the country.
The President’s words echo the profound truth that Pakistan has been, and will continue to be, steadfast in the fight against terrorism.
Our defence forces, along with the civilians, have paid an immense price in the battle against extremist elements.
The scars of this war, both seen and unseen, are a testament to the courage and sacrifices of those who have stood on the frontlines of this fight.
There is no doubt that our security forces will continue to stand firm, as they have done in the past, to eradicate this threat from our soil.
The security forces once again demonstrated this re-solve in North Waziristan, where a group of sixteen terrorists attempting to infiltrate Pakistan from Afghanistan were neutralized in a fierce encounter.
This successful operation in the Ghulam Khan Kallay area not only showcases the effectiveness of our military’s response but also sends a clear message to the enemies of Pakistan: they will find no ground on our soil.
The nation will always remember the courage, dedication and sacrifices of our security personnel who have given their lives in defence of the country.
Their contribution is not only a symbol of strength but also an essential part of the foundation on which Pakistan stands today.
It is imperative that Pakistan continues to engage with Afghanistan.
The recent cross-border infiltration attempt underscores the need for effective border management on the Afghan side.
We have repeatedly called on the interim Afghan government to take responsibility for preventing its territory from being used against Pakistan.
A coordinated approach to border security is essential to curb cross-border terrorism and Afghanistan must fulfil its duty to ensure that its land is not used by hostile forces.
