Islamabad : President Dr. Arif Alvi has said Pakistan’s armed forces are fully prepared to meet challenges of the changing times.

Addressing the main ceremony of Defence and Martyrs Day at the General Headquarters in Rawalpindi, he said Pakistan has increased capacity of its defence production and moved towards self-reliance in defence equipment by manufacturing JF 17 airplane, Al Khalid Tank and Navy’s ships.

He said the personnel of Pakistan Army, Pakistan Navy and Pakistan Air Force have always defended the freedom and security of Pakistan with their blood. Their sacrifices not only protected future of our coming generations, but made the nation proud for all times to come. He said our martyrs are our pride and crown.

He said regardless of all its efforts for peace, Pakistan has faced issues in living with peace, dignity and honour, with its neighbour.

The President reaffirmed that Pakistan desires peace in the region. He said Pakistan has always played an important role for peace in Afghanistan and even today it is part of efforts to maintain peace in the neighbouring country.

Alluding to the successes achieved by the forces in the war on terrorism, the President hoped the world would appreciate Pakistan’s efforts for peace in the region.

Turning to the situation in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, President Alvi said we completely reject the illegal occupation of Kashmir by India including all of its illegal steps. He said the illegal steps of August 5, 2019 are blatant violation of the United Nations resolutions on the Kashmir issue. He said India should understand that the desire for freedom cannot be suppressed for long with use of force and black laws. He stressed that progress of the region lies in the just solution of Kashmir dispute.

The President underlined the need to keep unity and discipline in nation’s ranks and urged people to counter propaganda, disinformation and fake news.