'Pakistan stands with Kashmir,' President Arif Alvi affirms in Pakistan Day parade

• Pakistan stands by the people living in Indian occupied Kashmir, will not abandon them, president says.
• "Situation in South Asia poor due to conspiracies, an atmosphere of hate."
• Urges international community to take notice of Kashmir situation and play its role in ensuring regional peace.

ISLAMABAD: President Arif Alvi on Thursday reiterated Pakistan's support for the people living in Indian occupied Kashmir, promising them that Islamabad "will not abandon them".

In his address during the Pakistan Day parade, which had been rescheduled for today, President Alvi congratulated the nation and the military personnel participating in the parade for organising a "spectacular" event.

He also thanked the military personnel of friendly countries present on the occasion.

The president said the day "reiterates the separate identity of the Muslims of the sub-continent."

“Although Pakistan started as a weak state, we have now progressed well and become a strong country self-sufficient in its defense," he noted.

President Alvi praised the armed forces for their services to the nation, be it on matters of security or in response to natural disasters.

He commended Pakistan’s armed forces for eliminating terrorism from the country and for their efforts in combatting the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“Pakistan’s battle against the COVID-19 pandemic, despite its meagre resources, is a lesson for the world,” he said.

‘Pakistan wants peace in the world’

President Alvi said that Pakistan wants peace and progress not only for itself, but for the entire region.

“Unfortunately, the situation in South Asia and the wider region has been poor due to conspiracies, hate, terrorism and bilateral disputes," he remarked. 

He advised the leaders of the region to put an end to politics built around hate and religious extremism for a peaceful future.

“Pakistan wants to move forward with honesty and peace, but our wish should not be taken as weakness and we reserve the right to respond befittingly to any misadventure," he said. 

He added that Pakistan will secure its sovereignty at every cost.

‘Pakistan stands with Kashmiris’

On Indian-occupied Kashmir, the president said not only Pakistan, but the entire world has been concerned with the treatment meted out to innocent people.

“Whatever is happening in Kashmir, it has become a human tragedy," he said. 

He reminded the world that the resolution of the Kashmir dispute falls under the United Nations' mandate.

“The Pakistani nation is with the Kashmiri people and will continue to stand by them,” Alvi said.

“Quaid-e-Azam [Muhammad Ali Jinnah] had said Kashmir is Pakistan's jugular vein. We are raising the issue of Kashmir and will continue to do so.”

He urged the international community to take notice of the situation and play its role in ensuring regional peace.

‘China is Pakistan’s true friend’

The president also hailed Pakistan's friendship with China, saying “China is Pakistan’s true friend and the bilateral relationship between the two countries is strengthening in all spheres, including defense and security.

“Pakistan is extremely grateful to the government and people of China for their gift of coronavirus vaccines,” he said.

Peace in Afghanistan

President Alvi said that Pakistan had sacrificed a lot for peace in Afghanistan and it has always supported such efforts, adding: “The world has acknowledged Pakistan in this regard.”

OIC should be strengthened

The president said Pakistan has good relations with Saudi Arabia, Turkey and the Gulf states, and called for strengthening the Organisation of Islamic Countries (OIC) to fight the rising wave of Islamophobia.

He recalled Islamabad's efforts in this regard and said, “We will continue to play our role.”