No compromise on national interests: Musharraf addresses soldiers
By Our Staff Reporter
LAHORE, Jan 29: President Gen Pervez Musharraf said on Tuesday that his government would never compromise on vital national interests and reiterated his resolve to guard strategic assets of the country.
He was addressing the troops at their defence deployment locations near Lahore where he landed straight from Islamabad. He met the troops engaged in their defence preparedness tasks at the forward deployment locations. The president was received at the helipad by Corps Commander Lt-Gen Zarrar Azim, General Officers Commanding Maj-Gen Mohammad Afzal Muzaffar and Maj-Gen Ahmad Nawaz Saleem Mela, says an ISPR press release.
He later attended a dinner at the Governor’s House which was attended by members of the provincial cabinet, senior army officers and some leading businessmen.
According to the press release, President Musharraf said Pakistan had earned a place of distinction in the comity of nations as a major strategic partner in the international coalition against terrorism and its neighbour was making vain attempts to discredit it.
He emphasised that defence preparedness was Pakistan’s right as a sovereign state and “our adversary should have no misconception about our operational capabilities.” He said the requisite operational plans had been geared up to ensure a matching response in case of any eventuality.
The president emphatically stated that the armed forces of Pakistan were cognizant of their responsibilities and possessed the professional skill, resolve and will to fight any aggression thrust on them.
“War transcends war and the people and the armed forces of Pakistan would put a joint front to frustrate any attempt of intrusion on our borders,” he said.
President Musharraf emphasised the officers and jawans to devote all their energies and training towards enhancing their fighting skills as it was time to practically manifest their sincerity, honesty, integrity and unflinching loyalty to this sacred soil. He urged the troops to remain alert and keep a constant vigil on the borders so as to prove worthy of the mission assigned to them.
He said he was proud to be the commander of such a fine blend of soldiers and was greatly moved by the resolution and confidence beaming on their faces which amply served as an index to their devotion and commitment to duty.
“No-one can dare cast an evil eye on the frontiers of a country whose troops as well people are imbibed with the higher ideals of courage and Shahadat,” he said.
According to the press release, the troops were overwhelmed by the presence of the president amongst them and chanted slogans to apprise him of their high state of morale and determination to fight against any odds no matter what the cost.
Earlier, the president also visited various defence positions, met the troops in their trenches and bunkers and inquired about their state of preparedness and motivation.
