ISLAMABAD, March 23 (DNA): President Mamnoon Hussain has said Pakistan was never a part of ‘weapons race’ and would never be.In his address on Pakistan Day on Wednesday, the President greeted the Prime Minister (PM), Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Raheel Sharif, Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) Admiral Zakaullah, Chief of Air Staff (CAS) Air Chief Marshal Sohail Aman and others in the beginning of his address.

He said that spirits of the armed forces mark higher than the mountains. Enemies had not expected Pakistan to set off on a journey as rewarding as it has been owing to the hardworking nation, he added.

Hussain said that the only purpose of possession of weapons is country s defense.

President Hussain said that the nation has offered great sacrifices not for the establishment of the country but to make sure that Pakistan flourishes as well.

Pakistan wants friendly ties with neighboring countries however, the goodwill should not be taken as weakness, he added. Armed forces achieved unmatched success in war on terror, he added.

Navy, army contingents stand alert as President delivers speech

The President said that Operation Zarb-e-Azb has stepped in final phase and would conclude soon.

Mamnoon Hussain did not leave Kashmir out of his speech. Pakistan would continue its support for freedom of Kashmiris, he added. President said that authorities want to utilize resources for the betterment of the people.

The President said that merit violation in different departments is one of the several issues that hinder country s progress. DNA