KARACHI(National Times)- Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Saturday that India was increasingly resorting to \u201ccovert tactics and the use of proxies\u201d in an attempt to undermine peace and stability in Pakistan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cPakistan is navigating conflicts and multi-faceted security challenges, marked by a dangerous combination of international and internal threats. Our eastern neighbour, having suffered a humiliating defeat in the conflict in May last year, has increasingly resorted to covert tactics and the use of proxies in an attempt to undermine the hard-earned peace and stability in our country,\u201d the premier said while addressing the passing out parade at the Pakistan Naval Academy in Karachi during a one-day visit to the metropolis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAt the same time, our valiant armed forces continue to confront the menace of foreign-sponsored terrorism emanating from our western borders. The entire Pakistani nation stands shoulder-to-shoulder with its brave armed forces. The entire country remains steadfast in its iron resolve to defeat the nefarious designs of our enemies, while continuing to pursue peace, dialogue and diplomacy to address all outstanding disputes,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He also asserted that Pakistan remained resolute in its commitment to advocating the cause of the Kashmiris, the Gazans and the Palestinians.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In his remarks, PM Shehbaz also said that his address was taking place \u201cin the backdrop of monumental global developments that are affecting our lives in ways unimaginable before\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cPakistan stands proud as a peacemaker in the comity of nations. Pakistan\u2019s sincere mediation efforts with the support of brotherly and friendly countries led to the historic signing of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding between the United States and Iran, which I also had the honour of signing as a mediator,\u201d the premier added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He paid special tribute to the Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir for \u201chis untiring efforts \u2026 to bring all parties together to follow the path of peace and tranquillity\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
PM Shehbaz also referred to the recent visit of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to Pakistan, saying it was \u201cnot only a manifestation of the strong brotherly ties between Pakistan and Iran but also an acknowledgment of Pakistan\u2019s important role to promote peace in the region\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In his address, the prime minister noted that the evolving regional situation has \u201chighlighted more than anything else the importance of maritime security for the global economy and international supply chains\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cToday, the right of free passage and freedom of navigation are no longer luxuries but [they] have become an absolute necessity for the entire world,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He assured that the government remained \u201cfully committed to strengthening Pakistan Navy as a potent and effective force \u2026 that is not only capable of ensuring our national defence, but also acting as a stabilising force in the wider maritime region\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Addressing the graduating cadets, the premier extended congratulations on the successful completion of their rigorous training and transition into commission service as officers of the Pakistan Navy. He said he was particularly delighted to see young officers from brotherly countries of Turkiye, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Iraq, Sri Lanka and Djibouti at the parade.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI am confident that the knowledge training and professional experience acquired at this esteemed training institution will prove very valuable to them throughout their careers and they will contribute meaningfully to the operational effectiveness of the respective navies,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI am confident that the officers commissioned today will leave these grounds equipped not only with knowledge and skills, but also with great confidence, resilience and fighting spirit required to meet future challenges and uphold the finest traditions of their respective navies,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He also said that they were joining the Pakistan Navy at a time of \u201cprofound transformation and unprecedented opportunities\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAs the maritime domain evolves, the navy is embracing cutting-edge technologies, artificial intelligence and unmanned systems to meet emerging challenges,\u201d he said, urging them to \u201cremain steadfast in the values of commitment, courage, discipline, integrity and loyalty\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe rank you wear on your shoulders today carries immense responsibility. As you embark on this noble profession, always remember: calm waters do not test a sailor nor do fair winds define a captain. It is the rough seas and strong winds that test one\u2019s mettle,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to the Prime Minister\u2019s Office (PMO), PM Shehbaz had arrived in Karachi on Saturday morning, where he was welcomed by Sindh Governor Nehal Hashmi and Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif and Information Minister Ataullah Tarrar also accompanied PM Shehbaz on the visit.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
KARACHI(National Times)- Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Saturday that India was increasingly resorting to \u201ccovert tactics and the use of proxies\u201d in an attempt to undermine peace and stability in Pakistan. \u201cPakistan is navigating conflicts and multi-faceted security challenges, marked by a dangerous combination of international and internal threats. Our eastern neighbour, having suffered […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":128369,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-128368","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-latest_news","entry"],"yoast_head":"\n