RISALPUR: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said whole nation stood behind its armed forces like solid rock and it would continue to do so in future to defeat evil designs of anti-Pakistan forces.

“This mutual bond of love, devotion and abiding reverence has remained unbroken. I have unwavering belief that our armed forces will always live up to expectation of people in future as well,” he said in his address at passing out parade of cadets at Pakistan Air Force’s Asghar Khan Academy. He congratulated graduating cadets, their parents and faculty on most memorable moments of their lives.

PM Shehbaz said over last two decades nation had been tested by combination of challenges such as terrorism, extremism and militancy. “Manner in which our armed forces, including Air Force, police and intelligence community have risen to challenges and neutralised threats to our national security is simply outstanding.”

He lauded PAF leaderships to make Pakistan Air Force truly professional, progressive and high-tech organisation. He recalled recent example of PAF’s true professionalism when it showed befitting and determined response to Indian aggression in February 2019. “Whole world saw how our brave sons humiliated Indian Air Force and show of exceptional skill and expertise,” he added.

With respect to economic challenges, he said that global economic crisis adversely affected all walks of life in country. However, he vowed not to let people at mercy of disruptions in global markets.

“We need to build resilience and protect our economy from global shocks. This is possible if we think long and hard and introduce structural reforms in economy to make it sustainable,” he said adding it is for this purpose that he had always been strong proponent of charter of economy.

“Let me assure that we are making all effort to bring our economy back on track. Thanks to tough decisions at cost of our political assets, we are on way to overcome these challenges successfully one day soon.”

He said there could be no peace in South Asia without just and fair settlement of Jammu and Kashmir dispute in line with UN aspiration and aspiration of people of Kashmir.

“We condemn grave human rights violation in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir and urge world to take note of illegal changes by India post August 2019,” he added.

Earlier, PM reviewed parade and presented awards to cadets. PAF’s Sherdil Squadron also displayed splendid air display on occasion.

Defense Minister Khawaja Asif, Information Minister Maryam Aurangzeb and other civil and military officials were also present.

Published in The Daily National Courier, April, 29 2023

Like Business on Facebook, follow @DailyNCourier on Twitter to stay informed and join in the conversation.