In an obvious reference to US rhetoric, he said that Pakistan has made numerous sacrifices fighting terrorism but today the country was being accused of not doing enough to eradicate the menace. "Despite all our efforts, our countless sacrifice and over decades of war, we are being told that we have not done enough against terrorism," the army chief said, referring to criticism by the United States (US) President Donald Trump over Pakistan's alleged inaction against terrorist 'safe havens'.
"If Pakistan has not done enough in the war against terror, then no country in the world has done enough," he reiterated. Bajwa added that the armed forces of Pakistan have paid with their blood during numerous military operations. "Only Pakistan has seen this level of success with such limited resources. From Operation Sher Dil, to Rah-e-Rast, Rah-e-Nijat, Zarb-e-Azab and now Raddul Fasaad, we have paid for each inch with our blood."
The army chief said that Islam clearly says that only the state holds the right to jihad and the right to declare jihad should only stay with the state. "I would like to tell the misguided people that whatever you are doing is not jihad but fasaad. Your country and your people are being hurt the most by your actions," said the army chief.
Bajwa said that the nation's support is needed for success in the war against terrorism and "we need the nation's passion and co-operation". "Although the army can end terrorism to gain control over terrorism and extremism it is necessary that every citizen is a soldier of Operation Raddul Fasaad," he added. The army chief also reminded the audience that the war against terrorism is also an ideological war.
While talking about Balochistan, Bajwa said they were closely observing those who wanted to create unrest in the province. Pakistanis of all ethnicities are ready to lay their lives for peace and stability in Balochistan, added Bajwa. Referring to Afghanistan, he said Pakistan has tried to support its neighbouring country beyond its means. "We will encourage actions by America and Nato that will bring peace to Afghanistan specifically and the region at large. But we also wish for our security concerns should also be resolved," he added. "We have tried to help Afghanistan beyond our capabilities but we can not fight the Afghan war in Pakistan . We have made well-intentioned efforts for talks and peace in Afghanistan . However, Afghanistan is a self-sufficient country that is free to make its own decisions. If even today they veer towards war, then we cannot be a part of this war," the army chief maintained.
However, he added, if international powers cannot support Pakistan then they should at least not hurl accusations. "The international powers should not hold us responsible for their shortcomings." The army chief stated that India should understand that the youth of India-occupied Kashmir are not reliant on support from Pakistan for their struggle against the occupation forces.
"It is in India's own interest to pursue a political and diplomatic solution for occupied Kashmir ," said General Bajwa. The army chief also said that Pakistan is a responsible nation and did not bring nuclear weapons to South Asia . Terming the weapons as "a guarantee of peace", he said they are an answer to a neighbouring country which is high on power.
"It is this country which has brought unconventional war to the South Asian region," he said. Regarding Pakistan 's relations with the United States , the army chief said the country wanted to have friendly ties with the US , not aid from the country. General Qamar Javed also urged the international community to take steps for the Muslims in Myanmar .
The event started with children presenting a tableau. Later, the crowd stood up to the national anthem. During the event, sacrifices by armed forces personnel were highlighted. A guard of honour was presented by a smartly turned out contingent of Pakistan Army. Earlier in the day, Defence Day was celebrated in different parts of the country, with a show by the armed forces being held by the armed forces at Karachi 's Clifton beach.
A change of guard ceremony was also held at the mausoleums of Allama Iqbal in Lahore and Mazar-e-Quaid in Karachi . The army chief stated that India should understand that the youth of India-occupied Kashmir are not reliant on support from Pakistan for their struggle against the occupation forces. "It is in India 's own interest to pursue a political and diplomatic solution for occupied Kashmir ," said General Bajwa.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2017