RAWALPINDI: Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa said on Wednesday that Pakistan has done enough in the war on terror and now it is time for the world to do more.

Pakistan has made numerous sacrifices fighting terrorism but today the country is being accused of not doing enough to eradicate the menace, said the army chief during a ceremony at the General Headquarters (GHQ).

"If Pakistan has not done enough in the war against terror, then no country in the world has done enough," the army chief said while addressing the participants at the event commemorating Defence Day. 

Bajwa added that the armed forces of Pakistan have paid with their blood during numerous military operations.

"Only Pakistan has seen this level of success with such limited resources. From Operation Sher Dil, to Rah-e-Rast, Rah-e-Nijat, Zarb-e-Azab and now Raddul Fasaad, we have paid for each inch with our blood."

'Monopoly of violence only state's prerogative'

The army chief said that Islam clearly says that the state holds the right to jihad and the right to declare jihad should only stay with the state. 

Monopoly of violence should be prerogative of the state only, he said.

"I would like to tell the misguided people that whatever you are doing is not jihad but fasaad. Your country and your people are being hurt the most by your actions," said the army chief. 

Bajwa said that the nation's support is needed for success in the war against terrorism and "we need the nation's passion and cooperation".

"Although the army can end terrorism, to gain control over terrorism and extremism it is necessary that every citizen is a soldier of Operation Raddul Fasaad."

The army chief also reminded the audience that the war against terrorism is also an ideological war. 

While talking about Balochistan, Bajwa said they were closely observing those who wanted to stir unrest in the province. 

Pakistanis of all ethnicities are ready to lay their lives for peace and stability in Balochistan, added Bajwa. 

Referring to Afghanistan, he said Pakistan has tried to support its neighbouring country beyond its means. "But we can not fight the Afghan war in Pakistan." 

However, he added, if international powers cannot support Pakistan then they should at least not hurl accusations. 

“The international powers should not hold us responsible for their shortcomings.”

Nuclear weapons 'a guarantee of peace'

The army chief stated that India should understand that the youth of Indian-occupied Kashmir are not reliant on support from Pakistan for their struggle against the occupation forces.

"It is in India's own interest to pursue a political and diplomatic solution for occupied Kashmir," said General Bajwa.

The army chief also said that Pakistan is a responsible nation and did not bring nuclear weapons to South Asia. Terming the weapons as "a guarantee of peace", he said they are an answer to a neighbouring country which is high on power. 

"It is this country which has brought unconventional war to the South Asian region," he said.

Regarding Pakistan’s relations with the United States, the army chief said the country wanted to have friendly ties with the US, not aid from the country. 

General Qamar Javed also urged the international community to take steps for the Muslims in Myanmar. 

The event started with children presenting a tableau. Later, the crowd stood up to the national anthem. 

During the event, sacrifices by armed forces personnel were highlighted. A guard of honour was presented by a smartly turned out contingent of Pakistan Army. 

Earlier in the day, Defence Day was celebrated in different parts of the country, with a show by the armed forces being held by the armed forces at Karachi's Clifton beach. 

A change of guard ceremony was also held at the mausoleums of Allama Iqbal in Lahore and Mazar-e-Quaid in Karachi.