October 26, 2008	Sunday	Shawwal 26, 1429

ISLAMABAD: Chief of Army Staff General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani on Saturday endorsed parliament’s views on security challenges and said that the unanimous resolution on Pakistan’s role in the war on terror “is indicative of an emerging consensus … that terrorism has to be squarely addressed with the help of the people”.

Adressing the passing out ceremony of the 118th PMA Long Course at the Pakistan Military Academy in Kakul, he said: “It is satisfying to note that there is an emerging consensus in Pakistan that terrorism has to be squarely addressed with the help of the people of Pakistan, as manifested by the recent unanimous Parliament resolution.”

Legislators held a debate on extremism and terrorism in a joint in-camera session of the two houses of parliament against the backdrop of increasing number of terrorist attacks and US incursions inside Pakistan.

Reiterating the army’s commitment to protecting the country’s territorial integrity, the army chief said that it wanted to ensure the state’s writ. “The Pakistan Army is guarantor of peace and stability.”

He said Pakistan would not indulge in any arms race, but would maintain balance of power through a strategy of minimum credible deterrence.

“We stand committed to global and regional peace.”

He advised cadets to “demonstrate courage and self-sacrifice … Nation has reposed its trust in you. Now it is your responsibility to uphold that trust as professional soldiers.”

Urging them to inculcate qualities of confidence, courage and conviction, he said they should remember that the only way to lead “is to lead from the front, through personal example”.

Earlier, Gen Kayani reviewed the smartly – turned out parade and awarded medals.

The Sword of Honour was awarded to Battalion Senior Under Officer Syed Isfand Yar Ahmed Bokhari, the President’s Gold Medal to Battalion Senior Under Officer Junaid Yousaf, the Chief of Army Staff Overseas Gold Medal to Allied Under-Officer Fahmi Abdul Jalil Saeed Bin Saeed from Yemen, Chief of Army Staff Cane to Course Under Officer Sibtain Hassan (Graduate Course-32), Chief of Army Staff’s Cane to Sgt Sobia Shaheen (Lady Integrated Course-3), and the Commandant’s cane to Course Under Officer Khurram Waheed (Integrated Course-37).

PMA’s Commandant Maj-Gen Raheel Sharif accompanied the army chief on the saluting dais.

A large number of military officers, parents of cadets and foreign diplomats attended the ceremony.