Pakistan High Commission,
Canberra (Australia) celebrated the Defence Day in a dignified ceremony in
which the Chief Guest was Major General Simone Louise Wilkie AO, Commander of
Australian Defence College. The event was very well attended by members of
Diplomatic Corps, Defence Attachés, senior Government officials, Pakistani
community, media representatives and think tanks notables, says a press release
received here today from Canberra.
H.E. Naela Chohan, Pakistan High Commissioner to
Australia, in her address on the occasion, highlighted the significance of the
day and paid rich tribute to the Defence Forces for safeguarding the honour and
sovereignty of Pakistan. Giving an overview of the security challenges faced by
Pakistan, the High Commissioner further stated that Pakistan was desirous of
peaceful and friendly relations with its neighbours and was sincere in pursuing
policy of regional cooperation but was capable of facing any threat to its
security. She stated that Pakistan’s
stand on Kashmir is clear and principled and expressed the hope that
international community would play its role in the peaceful resolution of
Kashmir issue in accordance with UNSC resolutions.
High Commissioner
Naela Chohan also briefed the august gathering on the ongoing fight against
terrorism and extremism and stated that operation “Zarb-e-Azb” was successful
and now “Rad-ul-Fasad” which has taken on board all the stakeholders, is
bearing positive results to rid our society from terrorists and nefarious
designs of the enemies. She added that the nation stands united with its armed
forces in their commendable efforts to defend the country. The High
Commissioner also emphasized the importance of CPEC in peace and prosperity of
the region. She also expressed satisfaction over the growing and deepening of
defence cooperation between Pakistan and Australia.
Speaking on the
occasion, Defence Adviser Brigadier Muhammad Asim Khan said that the
unprecedented national unity demonstrated by the people and Armed Forces of
Pakistan on 6 September 1965 had made it a unique and memorable day in our
history. He said the nation is united again to defeat the menace of terrorism,
it has largely been eradicated; we have entered final phase to defeat terrorism
through Operation Radd ul Fassad. The Brigadier further added that we have
ready and arrayed Armed Forces, who are well trained,
well equipped and highly motivated to defend the motherland against any
external aggression.
A presentation was also made to the guests on Pakistan’s
ongoing combat efforts for peace and stability not only inside Pakistan but at
regional and extra regional level. The guests were served with traditional
Pakistani cuisine.
