KARACHI: The President of Pakistan, Field Marshal Mohammad Ayub Khan, visited today [May 18] a number of Pakistan Army units in the field. He was accompanied by the Commander-in-Chief of the Pakistan Army, Gen Mohammad Musa; the Commander-in-Chief of the Pakistan Air Force, Air Marshal Asghar Khan and a number of Senior Pakistan Army Officers. The President arrived by air and, using helicopter and road transport, covered a large area. Wherever he went, he found the troops in great spirits and high morale. Their morale was something to be seen to be believed. Confident in their professional ability, the troops looked determined and eager to face all eventualities.

The civilian population had gathered in many places on the route to cheer the President and their morale, too, was excellent. The relationship between the civil population and the military was cordial and affectionate. Addressing the troops, the President reiterated that Pakistan wants peace, especially with its neighbours. He declared that Pakistan had no intention of forcing a war on India but should the Indian leaders carry out their threat of aggression, Pakistan would face the situation with full confidence.

India, he said, should think of the consequences of such a reckless course. One thing was certain, he assured, Pakistan Armed Forces will go full out to perform their duty and seek decision. This is not a threat, he added, but a statement of the facts of life forced on Pakistan. “I do hope,” he continued, “that the Indian leadership will desist from taking steps that will turn both India and Pakistan into shambles.”

Published in Dawn, May 19th, 2015

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