ISLAMABAD: Chief of the Army Staff Gen Ashfaq Parvez Kayani on Wednesday said that armed forces of the country were fully alive to threats facing the nation.

‘Let no one misjudge our resolve, we will Insha Allah protect and defend Pakistan,’ he said in an address to the passing out parade at the Pakistan Air Force Academy, Risalpur.

He said the nation was united to tackle challenges confronting the country.

‘Today, we have been challenged as never before. I have full faith and conviction that we, as a nation of 170 million people, have the will and resolve to surmount these challenges. The nation stands fully united to confront these challenges and ensure that Pakistan of Quaid-i-Azam and Allama Muhammad Iqbal is restored to its rightful identity,’ he said.

Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Rao Qamar Suleman and Air Officer Commanding Air Vice Marshal Hafeezullah were also present on the occasion.

The army chief said that the successfully integrated operations conducted in Swat stood witness to competence and resolve of armed forces’ recent operations in South Waziristan and they were a clear testimony of its determination and professionalism.

He acknowledged the extensive and competent support provided by Pakistan Air Force during operations in Swat and other areas.

‘The close support and battle area surveillance provided to our troops on the ground has greatly contributed to the success of these operations. I commend PAF for a job very well done. We are all proud of PAF.’

Gen Kayani praised the forces and the nation for joining hands to alleviate sufferings of internally displaced persons of Malakand and Waziristan.

‘This is in line with our rich traditions of hospitality and sacrifice. This goodness of our society is our forte. We must preserve and protect these valued traditions,’ he further said.

The army chief said the graduating officers had assumed the mantle of leadership today. ‘It is a great honour and privilege, from today onward, the opinions you form, the decisions you take, and actions you initiate will make a difference.’

He said the nation had reposed full confidence in them and it was their responsibility to uphold this trust. He expressed the confidence that the graduating officers would play their role in protecting the motherland.