Extremism & terrorism can't cow us down: COAS

RISALPUR Our Armed Forces are fully alive to the complete spectrum of threat that confronts the nation. Let no one misjudge our resolve, declared Chief of Army Staff General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani while addressing a passing out parade of 67th course of engineering and 123rd course of GDP here at PAF Academy on Wednesday.
A dignified guard of honour was presented to the COAS on his arrival. The Army Chief distributed prizes among the new cadets who completed graduation. COAS Kayani said Pakistan is facing extra ordinary challenges internally and externally and is threatened by an adventurous neighbour. General Kayani stated that Pakistan was created on the basis of the two-nation theory. As a nation we find no contradiction in the practice of true religious values and yet be progressive. However, we will not allow negative form of extremism and terrorism to cow us down. He said the army would continue action against extremists, maintaining that army achieved success in Malakand with the support of people. While addressing the parade, he said that the passing out airmen were undoubtedly the future of the country but utmost hard work and dignity is required. He acclaimed the services of the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the sake of the country. The Army Chief said that the enemy should not underestimate our capabilities and the success of Swat operation is a reflection of our professional capabilities and we would achieve the same successes in operation Rah-e-Nijat. Today, we stand challenged as never before. I have full faith and conviction that we, a nation of 170 million people, have the will and resolve to surmount these challenges. General Kayani went on to add that the nation stands truly united to confront all the challenges and ensure that the Pakistan of Quaid-i-Azam and Allama Iqbal is restored to its rightful identity.