RISALPUR: Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar said peace in region could not be guaranteed till resolution of the dispute of Jammu and Kashmir between Pakistan and India. “Let me make it clear that there can be no peace without settlement of Jammu and Kashmir issue,” he said in his address at graduation ceremony of officers here at Pakistan Air Force (PAF) Academy Asghar Khan.

PM Kakar said that Pakistan is peace-loving nation and wished to maintain friendly relations with all countries, especially its neighbours. He, however, categorically stated that country’s desire for peace “Must not be understood as weakness”.

Interim Prime Minister condemned ongoing grave human rights situation in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir. Pakistan, he said, would not indulge in any arm race but would continue to enhance its capabitlity in line with evolving technology to deter any aggression.

Caretaker PM highlighted that rapidly changing geo-strategic environment had profound impact on Pakistan and rest of region. “Therefore, situation demands advancements in space networks, cyber technology, nano technology and artificial intelligence,” he said.

He expressed satisfaction that PAF modernised itself though smart induction of cutting-edge niche technology and achieved great progress in cyber space and non-contact warfare through indigenous means.

Interim PM Kakar termed armed forces of Pakistan as professionally competent and well-trained to cope with all internal and external challenges. “Nation holds our armed forces in high esteem for sacrifices they rendered for national defence and for their contribution towards nation-building,” he said.

 “I assure you that as nation we have surmounted challenges in past and Insha’Allah, we will do so in future and make country prosperous,” he said.

He congratulated cadets graduated from colleges of flying training and aeronautical engineering and expressed confidence that they would give their best professional performance with commitment and diligence.

“Being custodians of PAF, you carry hopes of this nation and must work hard to keep abreast with modern technology and trends related to modern warfare,” he told graduates.

PAF graduates included 148 General Duty Pilots, 94 Aeronautical Engineers, 104 air defence and 130 of combat support course officers. Earlier, Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu received Kakar on venue.

Published in The Daily National Courier, November, 22 2023

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