Army to defend Pakistan at all costs: COAS پاک فوج پاکستان کی ہر قیمت پر دفاع کریگی

The News - Sunday, December 06, 2009

RAWALPINDI: Chief of the Army Staff General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani on Saturday reaffirmed that the Army would defend, protect and preserve Pakistan at all costs.

He said this while offering condolences to the bereaved families. ìThe nation, including the Army, stands united in sharing their grief,î he said. Having met and talked to these families, he praised their exemplary strength of faith at this moment of trial. ìThis intrinsic strength is a true reflection of the will and resilience of the nation,î he said.

The COAS attended funerals of some of Shaheeds of the Fridayís tragic terrorist attack, in which officers, soldiers, elders, children and civilians lost their lives. The COAS thanked the nation for their wholehearted support and sympathy at this hour of grief. ìThis spontaneous and overwhelming show of solidarity by the nation with the Army is a treasure, which we deeply value and cherish,î he said.

îPakistan is our motherland. It is the bastion of Islam. We live and die for the glory of Islam and Pakistan. Our faith, resolve and pride in our religion and in our country is an asset, which is further reinforced after each terrorist incident,î Gen Kayani said.

The COAS concluded by reaffirming his conviction in the will of the nation to fight all odds. He said the Army, with the help of the people of Pakistan, will Inshallah protect and preserve our core values and interests in a dignified and chivalrous manner.

Later, the COAS visited the Combined Military Hospital and enquired after the health and well being of those wounded in the Fridayís attack. The COAS reiterated that such acts of cowardice would not dent the resolve of the armed forces and the nation to fight against terrorism.

Also, funeral prayers of Lt-Col Dr Fakharul Hassan and his sons, Flying Officer Minhajul Hassan, 24 and Saadul Hassan 17, who were martyred in the Rawalpindi terrorist attack, were offered at the Cavalry Ground, Army Graveyard here on Saturday evening.

Air Vice Marshal Sohail Aman, Army officials and a large number of people belonging to all walks of life attended the funeral prayers. Contingents of the Army and the PAF presented a guard of honour. Special prayers were also offered for the departed souls. Later, the martyrs were buried at the Army Graveyard.

source - http://thenews.com.pk/print3.asp?id=25926