Pakistan committed to war on terrorism: CNS

Pakistan today stands committed to the war on terrorism along with the international community. "We want peace with all our neighbours without compromising our honour and dignity", said Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Muhammad Afzal Tahir while addressing 87th officers commissioning parade of Pakistan Navy held here at PNS Rahbar, Manora Friday.
However, he said, our desire for peace must not be misconstrued as a sign of weakness. It is reflective of our increasing confidence to effectively safeguard our national sovereignty and territorial integrity. "Preparedness of our Armed Forces and our defence capability, both conventional and non-conventional, is a manifestation of this national resolve," the Admiral said. Admiral Afzal Tahir said: "We need to build on our indigenous capability and pursue it with more vigour than before."
He said that selective denial of technology and discriminatory sanctions should only serve to strengthen our resolve to achieve the goal of self-reliance. The construction of Agosta 90 B submarines, the ongoing acquisition of project of Frigates on transfer of technology basis from China, and P3 C aircraft from USA would further strengthen Pakistan Navy, he added.
Commenting on the role of Pakistan Navy in Coalition Maritime Campaign Plan, he said that Pakistan Navy's participation in CMCP over the years had reaffirmed our strong commitment to regional and global security and also enhanced Navy's capability of quick response, besides deterring terrorists and checking arms, drugs and human smuggling.
"It has also ensured our visible sustained presence in our area of interest thus providing a perception of safe environment to facilitate smooth maritime economic activity". Command of multinational task force 150 for the second time by Pakistan Navy, the only non-Nato Muslim ally is manifestation of a high degree of professionalism and commitment to this cause, he added.
Chief of the Naval Staff urged the passing out officers not to lose sight of our ideological frontiers besides discharging sacred duty of safeguarding sea frontiers of the motherland.
He called upon them to keep abreast of the developments taking place on the regional and international horizons to cope up with the world. He extended felicitations to the passing out officers, particularly those who displayed outstanding performances and won prizes.
Earlier, in his welcome address Commandant Pakistan Naval Academy Commodore Muhammed Tahir apprised the invitees with salient features of training being imparted.
He informed that the 87th passing out term consisted of 57 officer. The Academy is proud of training cadets from friendly countries of Azerbaijan, Bahran, Maldives, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Turkmenistan and Yemen, he said.
Later, the chief guest gave away prizes to the winners. Midshipman M. Abdullah Afzal was awarded Sword of honour for his overall best performance. Quaid-i-Azam Gold Medal was awarded to Sub Lieutenant Fahad Naveed whereas Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee Gold Medal was given to M Adeen Nusrat. The Academy Dirk was awarded to Midshipman Khurram Saeed Malik. Quarter Deck Squadron received Proficiency Banner for its all round best performance.
The ceremony was attended by a large number of senior officer from three services, diplomas, civil dignitaries and parents and relatives of the passing out officers. Foreign special guests included PLA Nave Admiral Hu Yanlin and Commandant Turkish Naval Academy Rear Admiral A Levent Temel.