Pakistan’s desire for peace must not be mistaken as weakness, PM warns India

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan said on Monday Pakistan’s efforts to work for peace must not be mistaken as its weakness, saying India would have to give the people of the disputed Himalayan region of Kashmiri the right of self-determination.
Khan said this in a statement on the occasion of Defense Day, celebrated as a national day each year to commemorate the sacrifices made by Pakistani soldiers in defending its borders. September 6 marks the day in 1965 when Indian troops crossed the international border to launch an attack on Pakistani Punjab.
“Our desire for peace must not be misconstrued as weakness, rather it must be reciprocated for sake of economic wellbeing and peoples’ prosperity in the entire region,” Khan said in a reference to India. “On our part, we will continue to expose the real face of radicalized India … The saner international elements do recognize our role for peace.”
Khan said when India initiated an “undeclared war” on Pakistan in 1965, the entire nation came out to support its soldiers.
“Many even started marching toward the border with bare hands,” he said. “Such a display of national unity galvanized the already spirited armed forces in their fearless fight against the enemy, which has no parallel in history.”
“This magnificent day, the sixth of September, comes each year to let us pay rich tributes in particular to our heroes, the Ghazis [fighters] and Shuhada [martyrs], and the gallant armed forces overall who have always been the nation’s hope and pride.”
“We pay homage to the families of Shuhada for sacrificing their loved ones in the defense of the motherland,” Khan added.
The PM said India had “constantly perpetrated terrorism against Pakistan, using Afghan soil to create unrest in Pakistan.”
India has always denied this charge.
“On this day we not only condemn those involved in such heinous acts but also pay special tributes to our valiant armed forces who have rendered invaluable sacrifices for our motherland,” he added. “The world must hold India accountable for its rogue behavior.”