KARACHI: Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani Saturday said that Pakistan today was passing through a very critical phase of its history.

“Increasingly complex external environment and our rather precarious internal dynamics have created a myriad of security challenges,” Gen Kayani said while addressing the 98th Midshipmen Commissioning term and 7th SSC Officers class, comprising a total of 118 officers who got commissioned at Pakistan Naval Academy PNS Rahbar, upon completion of rigorous training.

The COAS said,” Today, we are pitched against an amorphous enemy when the conventional threat has also grown manifold.”

This spectrum of threats can be defeated through collective national efforts in which the armed forces indeed have a pivotal role to play in harmony with other instruments of the state, he added.

General Kayani added that under the prevailing scenario, a potent and modern navy was indispensable to thwart the challenges to the country's sovereignty in the maritime domain.

It is becoming increasingly important to build up and rely on our own strength. It is heartening to see that Pakistan Navy is rapidly developing its indigenous capability and pursuing it with greater vigour than ever before, he added.

He urged the commissioning officers to keep the interests of the state and the service on top priority and never let their personal feelings stand in the way to their commitment to the national duty bestowed upon them.

He also felicitated the officers upon successful completion of their training and wished them exciting, challenging and sacred career ahead.

Earlier on his arrival, the COAS was received by Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Mohammad Asif Sandila.

The ceremony was attended by a large number of senior officers from three services, officers from civil services and diplomats including parents and relatives of the commissioning officers.