Pakistan wants friendly relations with India, but not at its own cost: COAS
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LONDON: Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif on Thursday said that Pakistan wants peaceful and friendly relations with India but not at the cost of its own interests and dignity.
Speaking at the dinner hosted by Pakistan’s High Commissioner in London Syed Ibne Abbas, General Raheel Sharif said Pakistan is going through its most crucial time in history and added that peace and stability will eventually take the country towards a brighter future.
Related: India is the only external threat, says military
He said that Pakistan's anti-terror offensive, Operation Zarb-i-Azb, has had a positive effect on the country’s security situation and will ultimately rid it of terrorism.
“Our forces have rendered great sacrifices and now it is time for Pakistan to move on, let peace and stability help the country make rapid economic progress," said Raheel Sharif.
The army chief also repeated the resolve to to bring back the displaced families of Federally Administered Tribal Areas (Fata) back to their homes.
Related Pakistan spent $1.9bn on Zarb-i-Azb, TDPs' return from own resources: FO
Speaking about Pakistan-UK bilateral relations, Army chief said the two countries have historical relations and military links which are gaining strength.
He also thanked the British-Pakistani community for their support in the 'testing times' Pakistan is going through saying that overseas Pakistanis understand the challenges faced by their home country.
The High Commissioner, in his address, after welcoming the Chief of Army Staff and his delegation lauded Pakistan Army's sacrifices during the anti-terror operation.
"The courage with which the armed forces and the people of Pakistan are fighting the menace of terrorism is unparalleled," said Ibne Abbas.
The dinner was attended by Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, Lords, business leaders, Pakistani community along with British military and civil service officers.
Also Read: Zarb-i-Azb: one year on
Military operation Zarb-i-Azb was launched by the Pakistan Army on June 15 following a brazen militant attack on Karachi's international airport claimed by the proscribed Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and failure of peace talks between the government and TTP negotiators.
More than a million people had fled the offensive in North Waziristan, which is aimed at wiping out longstanding militant strongholds in the area, which borders Afghanistan.
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Comments (89) Closed
Oct 01, 2015 06:32pm
Yes , That is what i say everyday, we are on the path to become global power, let their be no doubt about it.
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Oct 01, 2015 06:33pm
Best COAS ever to decorate this position, long live Raheel and may he bring great things to Pakistan.
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Oct 01, 2015 06:33pm
The Nation loves you General Raheel Sharif.
Thanks Pakistan Armed Forces.
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Oct 01, 2015 06:35pm
We are thankful to our COAS for working day and night to bring peace and stability to Pakistan, all citizens of Pakistan are greatly indebted to you Sir, May I propose that Pakistan awards Nishan E Pakistan to Raheel for his services.
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Oct 01, 2015 06:35pm
Long live Pakistan Armed Forces, Long live Pakistan.
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Oct 01, 2015 06:39pm
No doubt Sir!!! We are heading towards right direction. That day is not far when Pakistan will be a Economic hub of the region and beyond. And many countries fate will be attach to Pakistan through CPEC.
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Oct 01, 2015 06:41pm
Damn right COAS you're a legend. This new India is absolutely Insane.
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Oct 01, 2015 06:48pm
Is it not amazing that Foreign relation statement coming from COAS instead of foreign office ?? It shows who is in Power in Pakistan
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Oct 01, 2015 06:53pm
Is he a political leader? Has he been given unfettered rights to make comments on any policy? Has government of Pakistan any control over army?
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Oct 01, 2015 06:54pm
The best ever Army Chief in the history of Pakistan. God Almighty has given us right leadership at the right and crucial moment of our history. We surely are going to win this war and will be the power to recon with. Long live Pak Armed Forces, long live Pakistan.
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Oct 01, 2015 07:07pm
COAS will lead our nation out of the present turmoil created by the enemies. May the Almighty's infinite mercy be on Raheel Sharif.
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Oct 01, 2015 07:08pm
Thank you Sir! Let's not sell our souls in the name of one sided Peace. Please avoid the bhai bhai approach with India and pursuit the peace on equal terms. India must understand Pakistan is not Bangladesh!!!
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Oct 01, 2015 07:10pm
The truth is NO friendly neighborly relationship with India, it will never happen, like it or not NO kashmir either unless you take it by force. Indian made it very clear to you all yesterday.
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Oct 01, 2015 07:12pm
@Ashutosh First stop your own army chiefs who threaten Pakistan periodicall
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Oct 01, 2015 07:14pm
Do not worry Raheel Sir.The diplomats of both sides are smart enough to find out a solution without costing each other's interest. Just give the govt green signal.
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Oct 01, 2015 07:20pm
Sir, you seems to be mature General. I hope good sense prevails and you continue working for peace and prosperity for your country. Good Luck !!
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Oct 01, 2015 07:29pm
Peace be upon you!! Get rid of terrorists as soon as possible. May you prosper as a people!!
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Oct 01, 2015 07:32pm
@Reza Dear Reza, Indian COAS rarely make such such comments because our government hardly gives space. That is why there has been no Military rule. In India army is rarely brought into picture, very few know even the name of COAS.
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Oct 01, 2015 07:35pm
It's OK to have peaceful relationship with India. But whom should India officially communicate with, Nawaz Sharif or Raheel Sharif ???
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Oct 01, 2015 07:38pm
Dear Pakistanis, I ask you guys to please hold up and concentrate in developing and helping the federal Govt. You can see, we have a living threat to our borders and the only way to counter is to develop our own country. No more talks, just work, work and only work.
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Oct 01, 2015 07:39pm
Now this is a reasonable response. Should have come from, Navaz shrief.
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Oct 01, 2015 07:40pm
@Hamaad
Indeed.
It has been done many times over during last 68 years.
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Oct 01, 2015 07:40pm
@Raj Patel So what, may I ask, is your problem. Is it because you feel that this guy is spoiling your designs?
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Oct 01, 2015 07:43pm
@Pixell ; Either one will work..... Ok so let's talk about Kashmir!
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Oct 01, 2015 07:44pm
@Raj Patel .... None of your business who holds the power in Pakistan. Can we talk about the main issue here "Kashmir"????
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Oct 01, 2015 07:47pm
Next president of pak , get ready ..
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Oct 01, 2015 07:53pm
@Ashutosh Someone is uncomfortable with Pak army regaining popularity. If you are worried about democracy in your neighbouring country then believe me it's not in danger.
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Oct 01, 2015 07:53pm
@Zak : Do you know what are the things to achieve to become global power? ?
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Oct 01, 2015 07:57pm
Gen R.Sharief Sb,
We are proud of U.
May GOD swt Bless U long life
To make new Pakistan
I personally Admire your thoughts
&actions being taken
In the best interest of
Our Bloved Pakistan.
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Oct 01, 2015 07:58pm
@lafanga Pakistanis said the same thing about Musharaf, too.
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Oct 01, 2015 08:00pm
Absolutely right Sir. I agree with COAs Genral Raheel Shareef 100 percent. The nation is with you Sir.
Great Man, Great Leader, Great Personality, Great General.
Pakistan Zindabad.
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Oct 01, 2015 08:00pm
@Glowing Pakistan "And many countries fate will be attach to Pakistan through CPEC."
Only if you let these countries pass through Pakistan.
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Oct 01, 2015 08:02pm
Nice to see conciliatory words from our leaders, not belligerence being shown from the other side!!
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Oct 01, 2015 08:13pm
@Raj Patel agree that is what Pakistani wants so no problem
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Oct 01, 2015 08:26pm
@Khan:: ".... None of your business who holds the power in Pakistan. Can we talk about the main issue here "Kashmir"????"
No problem with who holds the power. But then the COAS should directly talk to PM Modi, and get this moving. There is no point in remaining in the background. The irony is that the real power holders remain in the background and do not come at the negotiating table. Now how do you expect that to work?
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Oct 01, 2015 08:26pm
A very good statement by Gen Raheel Shareef no politics
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Oct 01, 2015 08:30pm
Raheel the son of of soil . I wish if he can continue as our PM he is more macho and our current craven PM.
Hats off to chief ..son of Pakistan ..my man
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Oct 01, 2015 08:38pm
@Raj Patel - And your point is? You actually want a timid government in Pakistan so that you can pressurize it. This is where the army comes into the picture.
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Oct 01, 2015 08:41pm
Thank you raheel shareef
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Oct 01, 2015 08:44pm
@Ashutosh
yes when politician dont do their job then someone has to do it
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Oct 01, 2015 08:49pm
Dear Pakistani friends I have great regard for your trust with Army and COAS, it should be there in every citizen's heart. But at the same time one should give greater importance to "Civilian Government" as it is elected by you and responsible to you. This is the first pillar of democracy.
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Oct 01, 2015 08:52pm
@Ashutosh ... He can make any statement he wants, we all love him to death and stand behind him..
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Oct 01, 2015 09:03pm
@anonymous.... Nonsense! You had a chance with Musharraf (President and head of Army at the same time) and you still refused to discuss the issue of Kashmir!!!
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Oct 01, 2015 09:08pm
Good relations don't grow on trees. Good relations between countries, as between individuals, derive from good behaviour on both sides. The two countries should improve their behaviour towards each other. An opinion on behalf of government should be given by prime minister or his authorized representative, not an army chief.
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Oct 01, 2015 09:19pm
With a country that refuses to play a game of cricket with us. I think, we are being naive.
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Oct 01, 2015 09:24pm
Here is my own thinking about the best political advancement in Pakistan:
Gen. Raheel Sharif is a patriot and is enjoying the highest popularity at this time. He should resign from his Chief of Army Staff position six months before next elections, and run in the election.
He should organize a new political party and invite all clean politicians (if there are any) to join him. The best way to do that would be to bring together the people with better record, like PTI and Musharraf.
If that can be done, I believe that Pakistan can go back on track again, and can make tremendous progress.
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Oct 01, 2015 09:25pm
Do you hear this Indians?
Pakistani COAS is saying "Pakistan wants friendly relations with India".
Now the ball is in your court. You always say Pak military wants war with India. Here is COAS saying we don't. The fact is India DOES NOT want peace with Pakistan and it will do everything to sabotage Pakistan. This is the prime reason why most Pakistanis do not trust India at all.
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Oct 01, 2015 09:31pm
@Raj Patel;
Modi has given us a direct military threat, it is very proper that Pakistan's response comes from COAS,
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Oct 01, 2015 09:35pm
@Khan Actually, the Kashmir problem was almost resolved when Gen Musharraf was in power. Unfortunately, due to his judicial problems it was never formalised.
iIt is not difficult to resolve issues add long as both parties have the determination and resolve to do so.
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Oct 01, 2015 09:36pm
if nawaz had said that, people would be bashing him. just goes to show you how hypocritical people are.
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Oct 01, 2015 09:37pm
@Ashutosh;
'Has government of Pakistan any control over army?'
The government of Pakistan would have control over the army when the people of Pakistan have control over the government. Everything general sahib says is the voice of people of Pakistan.
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Oct 01, 2015 09:43pm
Hand over the complete administration of Pakistan to COAS Genral Raheel Shareef for 3 years without any interference and I guarantee Pakistan will again become top 10 growing nation in the world. I am sure 90% plus people would like to see General Raheel Shareef leading Pakistan.
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Oct 01, 2015 09:48pm
COAS will be remembered forever if Pakistan could implement what he said. Dignity and decorum of nation depends not on violence or terrorism but recognition of peaceful co-existence.
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Oct 01, 2015 09:56pm
Welcome! That's the way to go. We can build prosperity by complementing each other, not the other way around.
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Oct 01, 2015 10:02pm
@muri;
'if nawaz had said that, people would be bashing him'
That is so because we have seen Nawaz's politics for quarter of a century and we know those wouldn't be his true feelings, it would be somewhat like Modi suddenly championing human rights.
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Oct 01, 2015 10:08pm
What general sahib is telling the Indians is that goodwill at 100% your terms is no goodwill at all, it is aggression in disguise. General sahib's comment is pertinent, the ground reality is that any South Asian nation that has 'good relations' with India has done so by accepting a Brahmanic caste system in which India is the Brahmin.
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Oct 01, 2015 10:14pm
Due to high corruption rate and business interests of our prime Minister, our nation is forced to look at Army as saviours.
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Oct 01, 2015 10:20pm
why does realty bite even sane people.By closing your eyes & not allowing truth to come to fore can't change realty.
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Oct 01, 2015 10:22pm
@Ashutosh;
'give greater importance to "Civilian Government" as it is elected by you'
Those of us who think Nawaz was elected by us do give him a lot of us, it is just that not too many of us think so.
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Oct 01, 2015 10:25pm
@T.M. Reddy;
The dignity of a nation does depend on defeating terrorism of it's enemies, among other things.
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Oct 01, 2015 10:31pm
The only brave Pakistani in the lead. At least he is not coward to shell Indian civilians across the border.
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Oct 01, 2015 10:36pm
Army should stay out of geo-politics and must refrain from issuing statements related to foreign policy.
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Oct 01, 2015 10:37pm
When Kashmir and the region no longer face indian attempts at hegemony there can be a semblance of peace. When india respects the ceasefire and behaves, we will talk.
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Oct 01, 2015 10:40pm
@Raj Patel I love it when I see replies like yours. Just because he's answering questions by media persons, suddenly you think he's our foreign minister. Guess what? Indian affairs directly Impact our security and bilateral security concerns so he's within his mandate tom comment. We don't need lectures from Indians, whose NSA is an irrational loud mouth who acts like school boy.
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Oct 01, 2015 10:41pm
@Ashutosh the army is part and parcel of the government of Pakistan and we the people are behind them.
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Oct 01, 2015 10:42pm
@Mustafa just ask the Nepalis. They adopted secular non Hindu constitution and now the Indians fume!
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Oct 01, 2015 11:05pm
@Raj Patel,NO,whats amazing is people getting burnt in India for eating beef.
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Oct 01, 2015 11:08pm
That's what we call determination and know what you want and what your targets. This statement by COAS really made the nation proud and for the first time after a long time someone has guts to tell our neighbor who we are and what we can do and what we want and how we want....Really bring tears to my eyes...God bless you COAS...Once again I salute you....
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Oct 01, 2015 11:29pm
Some Indians behaving so naive and gullible here talking about civil military relationship. Its one entity. Also just read about the RSS militant wing and Modi's background, he has spent 31 years in RSS and follows the extremist Hindutva doctrine...still reports to that alma mater, and with such hardliners infiltrated in Indian establishment, you can understand the posture of the Indian Army and Modi government. Its like Taliban getting infiltrated in Pak Army and calling shots.
There is a militant wing/extremist Hindutva at the government in the guise of a civilian government in India. Check the credentials of Modi's ministers like Pravin Togadia, Amit Shah and scores of others, all with criminal records.
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Oct 01, 2015 11:49pm
@Dr.Khan ; With all due respect Sir, Pakistan Army has to be involved in certain matters especially when it comes to dealing with India. National security is our number one priority!
Also, keep the Army out of politics slogan is so 1990's drawing room talk! Let Bilawal use that line!!!
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Oct 02, 2015 12:25am
@Indian yes very well mr Indian, let me tell you in case if you do not know. Believe in one God, one language, strong army, nuclear power, peaceful relations with neighbors.
Now we have all the above except one enemy country india and we are dealing with it . Once we straight you up within years you will see. By the way we were far ahead of india till 1990. Read about my country then come back. Let me tell you one more thing, urdu has become a national language everyone everywhere can speak and understand in Pakistan.
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Oct 02, 2015 01:37am
Pakistan wants peaceful and friendly relations with India and its neighbors but not at the cost of its own interests and dignity. No Compromise on this Principal. Long live Pakistan.
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Oct 02, 2015 01:40am
he is a true leader....I am a simple civilian Pakistani and I support him.....sad that our elected leaders are none when compared to him......he speak less and do more and result is seen in whole Pakistan as terrorism is nearly gone
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Oct 02, 2015 02:01am
@Saleem USA -people say the terrorist sneak out and hide in the borders and already caught some infiltrating and gun fighting with police, got caught and showed they faces and their address and parents name and phone No. in Pakistan. Why do terrorist guys get caught by our neighbors?
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Oct 02, 2015 02:09am
Strange. Very Strange. COAS commenting on foreign affairs.
Seems the civilian government in Pakistan has become dysfunctional.
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Oct 02, 2015 02:26am
Pakistan wants peaceful and friendly relations with India but not at the cost of its own interests and dignity. No Compromise on this Principal. Long Live Pakistan
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Oct 02, 2015 02:32am
Can you please specify what are the "own interests"
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Oct 02, 2015 02:50am
Our Indian friends need to understand that since modi arrived on scene, The Indian govt is playing a hard ball game, which us Pakistanis don't think would be managed well by democratic govt since we don't have faith in them, also no compromise on dignity
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Oct 02, 2015 03:20am
Global power is going to be India
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Oct 02, 2015 04:54am
@Indian Unity
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Oct 02, 2015 05:40am
@Zak
Please explain the "global power " part.
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Oct 02, 2015 06:19am
Excellent statement by the COAS.
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Oct 02, 2015 06:26am
@Khan:: Musharraf was, and still is, hostile towards India. He is the one who is responsible for the Kargill episode, and you expect him to resolve anything? A guy who resorts to non-peaceful methods?
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Oct 02, 2015 06:30am
@Zak :: "... we are on the path to become global power, let their be no doubt about it."
To be a global power, simply having nuclear capability is not enough. The country needs to be a economic power, and the ability to contribute and lead the world in science and technology. Even China is unable to claim the later.
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Oct 02, 2015 06:34am
@Ashutosh friend why are you feeling bad if he has said in the against of India by saying such kind of things you cannot harm good civil-military relations going on in Pakistan
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Oct 02, 2015 06:48am
I hope COAS will stick to his words.
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Oct 02, 2015 07:57am
@Zak true... You are global power already.congratulations.
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Oct 02, 2015 08:59am
Who is controlling foreign relations? Govt or Army? whom to talk to ?
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Oct 02, 2015 11:21am
there is an hidden third force who is not allowing India and Pakistan to have good relationship even after 69 years. Both country need to detect this hidden force
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