KARACHI: Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) General Zubair Mahmood Hayat said on Saturday that Pakistan was fully aware of the designs of hostile agencies, especially India’s Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), against the country.
Addressing the passing out parade of cadets at Pakistan Naval Academy in Karachi, he said: “Indian intelligence is operating from Afghanistan to stoke unrest and instability in the country and sabotage the multi-billion dollar China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project.”
“We are committed to tackling these threats through synergetic efforts,” he said. He categorically stated that the country was capable of beating back the designs of enemies.
General Zubair said that the role of Pakistan was vital to regional solutions. “Attempts to coerce and isolate it have failed in the past and will also meet the same fate in future. Pakistan seeks peaceful coexistence with all its neighbours. Peace and stability in Afghanistan is fundamental to peace in Pakistan,” he said.
About anti-terror operations, the CJCSC said: “Pakistan is determined to wipe out the curse of terrorism. Pakistan’s security forces alongwith the law enforcement agencies are playing a crucial role in tackling external state sponsored elements operating through local proxies, hunting down terrorists and dismantling their networks across the country.” “Our response in the military operations paradigm like the ongoing operation Raddul Fasaad is not merely military campaigns, but are concepts demonstrating national resolve, resilience, and commitment,” General Zubair Hayat said.
Referring to the role of Pakistan Navy, General Zubair said: “The nation is proud of its sea defenders, who have played a pivotal role in defense of the country, anti-terror and anti-piracy operations.”
He pointed out that modern navy was important to address the challenges of maritime security, which had assumed added significance due to the CPEC. “The government is cognisant of the requirements of Pakistan Navy and providing it the resources to meet its current and future needs.”
Commenting on Kashmir issue, he said: “Pakistan views with great concern the gross atrocities being committed by India in Occupied Kashmir.”
He said that Pakistan sought a harmonious co-existence with all countries, especially its neighbours, adding that it would continue to make efforts for peace in Afghanistan. “Stability, security, peace in Afghanistan is fundamental to the security of Pakistan.” He, however, warned that Pakistan’s quest for peace and stability was not a “one-way traffic”, but it had to factor in national interest and sovereign rights.
Published in Daily Times, July 16th , 2017.
