India compromised peace in region: President

ISLAMABAD: President Mamnoon Hussain in his address to the nation on Pakistan Day said that the country is determined to maintain friendly relations with its neighbours, however irresponsible behaviour by India had compromised peace in the region.

The President said that India was constantly violating the ceasefire agreement on the Line of Control. “Pakistan will continue to extend moral and political support to our Kashmiri brethren,” he said, adding that Pakistan was ready to hold dialogue with India, provided that India shows seriousness in this regard.

Speaking about Pakistan’s commitment to fight terrorism the President said that Pakistan had completed the Operation Zarb-e-Azb and had now initiated the Operation Radd-ul-Fasaad. He appreciated both civil and military institutions for showing courage in the face of adversity.

The President in his address spoke at length over brotherly relation the country enjoys with China. “The China Pakistan Economic Corridor will strengthen our ties and bring prosperity in the region,” he said.

Earlier, the President arrived at the venue on his presidential horse-buggy and was received by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Zubair Mehmood Hayat, Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa and Naval Chief Admiral Muhammad Zakaullah were present at the podium.

The contingents led by Brigadier Amir Ahsan Nawaz of 15 Baloch Regiment presented salute to the President. The national anthem was played on the occasion.

The 78th Pakistan Day is being celebrated nationwide today with traditional zeal and fervour.

The day dawned with 31 gun salutes in the federal capital and 21 gun salutes in the provincial capitals, followed by a joint parade of all three forces of the military: Pakistan Army, Navy and Air Force, at Shakarparian Parade Avenue in the federal capital early Thursday morning.

A special feature of the parade this year is participation of Tri Services of People's Liberation Army of China, Saudi Special Force's contingents and Turkish Jannisary Military band.