Pakistan Army chief General Raheel Sharif on Sunday said that the nation now "stands integrated" with the rest of the world more than ever before. The statement was made in the wake of India's campaign to isolate Pakistan on all international platforms.
"Today Pakistan is stronger than ever before. Pakistan stands integrated with the rest of the world than ever before," Raheel said while addressing the concluding ceremony of the First International PACES Competition 2016 in Lahore.
At the first six-day World Physical Agility and Combat Efficiency System (PACES) event held in Lahore, armies from at least 18 countries participated in the event including Sri Lanka, Nepal, Maldives, Qatar, Australia, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Russia, Turkey, United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia and Jordan.
The Pak army chief, in his address also said that the Zarb-e-Azb Operation against militants has brought "stability and prosperity" to Pakistan.
"Operation Zarb-e-Azb is an example of war for peace which is bringing stability and prosperity to Pakistan and the region. Today, our brave men can tell the world with pride that by eliminating terrorist networks from the far reaches of Pak-Afghan border, an environment of peace and prosperity is flourishing. Having overcome the heartless enemy, we are set to march forward on the road to progress," Sharif said.
"Physical Agility and Combat Efficiency System of Pakistan army has proven its effectiveness during the recent fight against terrorism. Our troops confronted insurmountable challenges that called for extreme endurance and constant vigilance."
"Our success against terrorism owes immensely to the physical strength and mental robustness of our officers and men. This, coupled with sincerity of purpose and clear direction contributed heavily towards fortifying their will and morale during intense and demanding operations," the Pak army chief added.
India has decided to isolate Pakistan globally ever since the Uri terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, where Pakistani terrorists opened fire on an Indian Army camp in Uri and killed 19 soldiers. Days after the attack, India responded with a surgical strike in Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir targeting the terror launchpads in the area.
