KAKUL: Without explicitly naming India or any other nation, Army chief Ashfaq Pervez Kayani said Saturday that Pakistan has acted with restraint despite some recent “belligerent statements.”

“We have exercised restraint in the face of some very belligerent statements in recent months,” said the top Pakistani general. “Let it suffice to say that Pakistan is fully capable of responding effectively to any threat. Despite our current focus on internal security, we remain fully prepared to defeat an external direct threat.”

The Army chief was addressing the passing-out parade of the 127th PMA Long Course, 46th Integrated Course and 1st Mujahid Course at the Pakistan Military Academy, Kakul, as the chief guest.

“In our short history, we have overcome many a challenges that would have overwhelmed lesser nations,” said Gen Kayani.

“I am sure we can do it again. We are going through difficult times, but so has every other successful nation at some time in their history,” he added.

“The Pakistani Army is fully committed to the cause and as always standing with the nation. I assure you that we will succeed if we remain committed to the basis for creation of Pakistan and remain steadfast as a nation.”

“Let me remind you that Pakistan was created in the name of Islam and Islam can never ever be taken out of Pakistan,” he said.

However, General Kayani said Islam should always remain a unifying force. He assured that regardless of odds, Pakistan Army will keep on doing its best towards common dream for a truly Islamic Republic of Pakistan envisioned by the Quaid-e-Azam and Allama Iqbal.

Speaking about peace in the region he said: “Pakistan is a peace loving country. Our quest for peace is essentially based on a genuine desire to improve our lot and that of our future generations. Let no one see it as a weakness.

“Let there be no doubt that with a strong Pakistani Army and the nation standing behind it united, no harm can ever come to Pakistan, Inshallah.”

A large number of senior serving and retired armed forces officers, parents of cadets, foreign diplomats and relatives of graduating cadets witnessed the spectacular parade.

He congratulated all the graduating cadets on successful completion of their basic military training, including those from our brotherly Islamic countries of Palestine, Sudan and Turkmenistan.