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Thursday March 28, 2024

CPEC security is our national undertaking: Gen Raheel

By Muhammad Saleh Zaafir
July 29, 2016

ISLAMABAD: Army chief General Raheel Sharif on Thursday made it clear that Pakistan’s resolve to break the nexus between terrorists, criminality and corruption was unflinching.

Addressing a reception hosted by the Chinese Military, Naval and Air Attache General Qi Huajun to commemorate the 89th anniversary of the founding of Chinese Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) at a local hotel here, Gen Raheel spoke of the Pakistan armed forces’ unswerving support for the CPEC, its protection and completion within the stipulated time, close cooperation between the two armies, the resolve for eliminating terrorism and friendship between the two countries.

He was in a pleasant mood and mingled with guests freely. In his brief but impressive speech, the army chief reminded: “As we consolidate the gains of Operation Zarb-e-Azb, we will continue to take action against terrorists of all hues and colour. Our resolve to break the nexus between terrorists, criminality and corruption is unflinching.

“On this occasion, let me emphasise that CPEC is a strategic game-changer not only for Pakistan but also for the entire region. It is destined to bring significant improvement in the lives of hundreds of millions of people besides further promoting mutual interdependence among regional states,” the general said.

“I assure you that the security of CPEC is our national undertaking and we will not leave any stone unturned to ensure its timely completion and uninterrupted success,” he added. He said China and Pakistan were partners in the fight against the terrorism for the common good of humanity.

“We seek enhanced regional cooperation to root out extremism and terrorism for enduring peace and stability in the region.”

At the outset, General Raheel said this day that turned a peasant army into a most formidable force reminds us of the power of people’s unity for which no goal is too high, no distance too long and no task too hard.

“Today, the PLA is regarded as one of the finest military organisations of the world.

The professional standards of PLA, its technological outreach and enviable operational record stand testimony to my remarks. The Pakistan Army and the people of Pakistan take pride in our bonds of friendship with China. This iconic relationship is sweeter than the honey, higher than the Himalayas and deeper than the oceans. It is a symbol of our time-tested friendship and deep and impregnable relationship,” General Raheel added.

“The affinity of views between China and Pakistan reflects our common vision and shared destiny. This convergence of our interests and commonality of purpose make us the most important strategic players in the region. Today, our mutually beneficial engagements include defence collaboration and joint production ventures. It also includes a unified diplomatic front at all international platforms including the United Nations, Association of South East Asian Nations, Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and the splendid China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).”

Thanking the ambassador and attaché, the COAS said this occasion also brings to the fore tremendous sacrifices made by the brave people of China in pursuing their dream through a united and unyielding struggle that has certainly set a glorious precedent to follow.

“I also take this opportunity to convey my sincere greetings and compliments to Chairman Xi Jinping, General Fan Changlong — Vice Chairman Central Military Commission and General Fenghui — Chief of Joint Staff on this day of commemoration,” he added.

General Raheel concluded by saying: “In the end, let me reiterate that the Pakistan Army and PLA form the edifice of our overall strategic relations. I am sure that the vast range of professional collaboration between the PLA and Pakistan Army will continue to grow as a hallmark of the eternal friendship and common future of China and Pakistan. I once again felicitate the People’s Liberation Army on this historic day. The people of Pakistan truly admire your achievements and we are proud of being your close partners.”

He finished the address with the slogan of “Long Live Pakistan-China Friendship.”

General Raheel and Chinese ambassador to Pakistan Sun Weidong had their dinner on a separate table.

Earlier in his speech, General Qi Huajun paid rich tributes to the qualities of General Raheel Sharif and his commitment to strengthen the Pakistan Army and eliminate terrorism.

National Security Adviser (NSA) General (retd) Nasser Khan Janjua, Corps Commander Rawalpindi Lieutenant General Malik Zafar Iqbal, Director General Inter-Services Public Relations (DG ISPR) Lieutenant General Asim Salim Bajwa and senior officers of the three services attended the reception in large number while diplomats and defence attaches of other countries also attended the reception.