Army Chief General Raheel Sharif on Saturday stressed that resolution Kashmir issue can bring lasting peace in the region.
“Lasting peace in the region will only come about with the fair and just resolution of Kashmir issue; in accordance with the will of Kashmiri people as enshrined in the UN resolutions,” General Raheel Sharif stated while addressing the graduating cadets on the occasion of PMA Passing Out Parade at Pakistan Military Academy Kakul.
He said coercion and repression of the Kashmiri people will never shake their confidence to ultimately exercise their freedom of choice promised by the international community.
“It is our firm belief that the determination of our Kashmiri brethren and collective conscience of free world will bear fruit and their aspirations will eventually be realized,” he added.
The Army Chief said that rapidly changing geopolitical environment and globally asserting no-state actors have put Pakistan in the centre stage. This has put enormous burden of responsibility and deliverance on Pakistan Army.
“Shying away from adversities is not in our nature, we have resolved to face these squarely, as this is the surest route to success,” he said.
General Raheel Sharif stated that “Pakistan Army is fully capable of deterring and defeating aggression across the entire spectrum of threat. Yet, we persistently seek peace in the region and beyond.”
Giving his views on the ongoing military operation in North Waziristan Agency, the Army Chief said that operation Zarb-e-Azb is not merely an operation, it is a concept, it is a resolve and a commitment of the nation. The commitment is to cleanse Pakistan of the scourge of terrorism once and for all. Pakistan Army is the cutting-edge of this resolve.
He said Pakistan’s Law Enforcement Agencies aided by Intelligence Agencies are also playing a commendable role in hunting down terrorists and their networks across the country.
The displaced people of FATA will be able to return to their homes sooner than expected, he said.
Moreover, the Army Chief prayed that the new political dispensation in Afghanistan brings peace, stability and prosperity to the people of Afghanistan and the region at large.
“Pakistan Army in its capacity will do all that is necessary to support the Afghan Security Forces in every possible manner,” he added.
On the occasion, General Raheel Sharif said felicitated record number of over 1200 passing out cadets including 45 cadets from friendly countries.
"I congratulate each one of you for successfully completing your training from Pakistan Military Academy which stands out as one of the premier institutions of the world. My special felicitations to the families and the award winners. Indeed, it is a landmark day in your lives and I am proud to be part of the moment," he said.

General Raheel said that Army is truly a symbol of national unity and hope – thriving on the aspirations of the people of Pakistan.