Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, in a historical speech, is on record to have simply and plainly stated that Pakistan has come into existence and everyone living and breathing within its geographical and territorial limits is a Pakistani first and foremost than being Muslims, Sikhs, Hindus, Christians or any other religious or faith.

Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa has quite rightly and forcefully reiterated this by saying Pakistan belongs to all Pakistanis without any religion, provincial, tribal, linguistic, ethnic , sectarian or any other identity.

According to the reports in the newspapers, the Army Chief has expressed these views fully reflecting positive thinking while addressing a gathering of Ulema of all shades and thoughts from Federally-Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) and Khyber Pukhtoonkhwah in Peshawar the other day ,

The COAS lauded heir support and cooperation in the on- going fight against terrorism and also duly acknowledged their contributions for peace and stability in their areas.

The ulema in response strongly condemned terrorism and pledged their continued support and cooperation to the security forces in their determined and appreciable efforts for ensuring peace and stability all around..

The Army Chief also visited the Pak-Afghan border in Bajaur Agency and was given detailed briefing on the ongoing efforts for effectively checking terrorists infiltration routes from across the border, progress about fencing, construction new forts and posts along the border as well as development of new tracks to facilitate the local people to the maximum.

While inter-acting with the troops, General Qamar Javed Bajwa highly appreciated their high spirit and morale and effective border security which has positively and commendably resulted in effectively preventing cross border attack attempts by the terrorists.

Army officers and jawans defending and safeguarding geographical frontiers of the motherland are imbibed with high spirits and morale and readiness for offering all sacrifices in this noble cause are duly encouraged and bolstered when they are visited by their Chief quite frequently. Thanks.

MUHAMMAD MURTAZA ZEESHAN,

Lahore, December 2.