ISLAMABAD: President Dr Arif Alvi has said that the armed forces of Pakistan are highly motivated, battle-hardened and fully aware of the multitude of threats to the country.

“I have no doubt that the Pakistan armed forces are fully capable of deterring and defeating aggression across the complete spectrum of threat. The recent standoff on our eastern front holds testimony to this very fact,” he said while addressing the passing-out parade at the Pakistan Military Academy (PMA), Kakul, on Saturday.

The cadets of 139th PMA Long Course, 9th Mujahid Course, 58th Integrated Course and 14th Lady Cadet Course took part in the passing-out parade on the completion of their training. Cadets from Saudi Arabia and Sri Lanka also took part in the passing-out parade at the PMA following the end of their courses.

The president reviewed the parade and gave away awards to the distinguished cadets, according to an ISPR press release.

A large number of senior serving and retired military officials, diplomats and relatives of the cadets witnessed the parade.

Congratulating the cadets and their families, President Alvi said, “You will be leading some of the best trained, motivated and battle-hardened soldiers in the world. Bear in mind that your nation reposes great trust in you and it must be maintained by achieving high standards of professional excellence.”

He said while Pakistan’s operational preparedness and befitting response defeated the enemy’s nefarious designs, it also amplified its sincere intentions for peace and relationship based on sovereign equality and mutual respect with its neighbours.

“Pakistan has been and will always remain promoter of peace as part of its national policy. Let there be no doubt that any misadventure and even the slightest breach of our national security will get a befitting response, and no sacrifice will be considered too great in accomplishing this sacred cause,” the president said.

Published in Dawn, April 14th, 2019