KARACHI: Pakistan’s armed forces have vowed to remain unwavering in their commitment to defend the country’s borders and maintain its internal security against all forms of “terrorism,” the military’s media wing said in a statement as the nation marks Republic Day today, Monday.
Pakistan commemorates Mar. 23 every year to mark the passing of the historical Pakistan Resolution at the 27th annual meeting of the All-India Muslim League in 1940. Through the resolution, the Muslims of the sub-continent demanded a separate homeland for themselves.
Pakistan was engaged in the worst fighting with Afghanistan from Feb. 26 to Mar. 18 after the Afghan Taliban launched a surprising attack against Pakistani military installations. Kabul said the attack was in response to earlier Pakistani airstrikes in its territory. Islamabad accuses Afghanistan of harboring militants that carry out attacks against Pakistan, charges that Kabul denies. Pakistan announced a temporary pause in hostilities from midnight Mar. 18-19 to midnight Mar. 23-24 in light of the Eid Al-Fitr festival.
“The Armed Forces of Pakistan, ever vigilant and steadfast, reaffirm their enduring commitment to defending our sacred frontiers, protecting national sovereignty, and maintaining internal security against all forms of aggression and terrorism,” the military’s media wing, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), said in a statement on Sunday.
The military’s media wing said Pakistan remains resolute in strengthening its democratic institutions, ensuring national security and safeguarding the well-being of its citizens.
“At a time when our nation continues to confront the menace of terrorism and extremism, the Armed Forces of Pakistan, alongside our resilient people and law enforcement agencies, remain united and unwavering in our resolve to eradicate the threats to Pakistan’s security,” the statement added.
Every year, Mar. 23 begins with a 31-gun salute in Pakistan’s federal capital and a 21-gun salute in the provincial capitals, followed by the armed forces participating in a military parade and the display of military pageantry.
However, this year Pakistan canceled the parade and all ceremonial activities in line with austerity measures announced by the government due to the ongoing Gulf oil crisis.
Pakistan has vowed that its military operation against Afghanistan will continue until its objectives are achieved. Islamabad has repeatedly told Kabul that it has to desist from supporting militants who carry out attacks against Pakistan.
