ISLAMABAD, Oct 6: The outgoing Vice Chief of Army Staff, General Muhammad Yousaf Khan, on Wednesday said that Pakistan welcomed the process of dialogue for peace.

Speaking to the passing-out cadets of the 110 PMA Long Course on the last day of his military service, Gen Yousaf said Islam stood for peace and Pakistan was a peace-loving nation.

However, he told the young cadets that as soldiers they had to be conscious that the only guarantee for peace was preparedness for war. "Never forget it," said Gen Yousaf.

According to a press release issued by the ISPR, Gen Yousaf told the cadets that reviewing Wednesday's parade was his last official commitment and he would remove his uniform on Thursday.

It was a special day for Gen Yousaf as his son was among the cadets of 110 PMA Long Course, continuing the tradition of the family. Gen Yousaf's son would be the fifth generation of soldiers in the family.

He said: "While you, my sons, step into uniform, I will be stepping out of it after 39 long years. While you step into the future, I step into history. I have no doubt that you will not only carry the baton but recover the ground that we may have lost for whatever reasons."

On successful completion of the training of 110 PMA Long Course, the VCoAS congratulated the Palestinian and Pakistani cadets and said that it was a matter of great honour and pleasure to review the impressive passing-out parade. He also congratulated the five cadets from Palestine who graduated after successful completion of their training.

He lauded the hard work of faculty staff "whose dedication and untiring efforts had brought the most fulfilling, memorable and glorious moments of each cadet's life." Gen Yousaf said he shared with families the joy and pride of graduation.

Speaking about the traditional excellence of Pakistan Military Academy, he said it enjoyed the distinction of being among the finest leadership training institutions in the country.

The VCoAS said: "While you stand at the historic juncture of your lives, you must understand the essence and philosophy of the profession you have chosen. As the future leaders of Pakistan Army, you ought to know that henceforth your destiny and of the Army and the country are intertwined."

He advised the cadets that a profound sense of patriotism should be the hallmark of their career. He said the Army was a complete way of life. "As officers and gentlemen you ought to be driven by great ideals and ethics.

The existence of an officer cadre is inconceivable without the need for a separate code of conduct which holds it together, but sets it apart from the ordinary." He advised the cadets to think hard and seriously about the ethical codes that soldiers choose to guide their lives, both personal and professional.

Gen Yusaf told the cadets that "we have to live with the reality of fighting outnumbered." "This is our legacy as well as a compulsion of our history and geography. Therefore, it is only the quality of our leadership, training and motivation that will make the vital difference."

He urged the newly commissioned officers to always stand by truth. "Do the right thing, whatever the stakes. Choose the harder right instead of the easier wrong. In times of moral crises, stand up and be counted, regardless of the consequences. Uphold your honour even in the most adverse of times."