Desire for peace must not be construed as weakness: PM

Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi Saturday said that Pakistan believes in peaceful co-existence and friendly neighbourhood, however, Pakistan's desire for peace must not be taken as a sign of weakness. The Prime Minister said this while addressing commissioning parade at Pakistan Naval Academy here.
The 108th Midshipmen and 17th Short Service Commission Course Commissioning Parade comprising 103 Midshipmen was held at Pakistan Naval Academy PNS RAHBAR. Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi was the chief guest on the occasion. Upon arrival, the chief guest was received by Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi.
The Prime Minister said that Pakistan believes in peaceful co-existence and friendly neighbourhood. Pakistan does not harbour any aggressive designs. However, Pakistan's desire for peace must not be taken as a sign of weakness or indifference to the developments taking place in the region.
"Any disguised or unnatural arrangement for supremacy would neither succeed nor serve the purpose of peace and stability", he said. The Prime Minister highlighted that the people of this region deserve better quality of life, progress and prosperity and that can only be achieved by following a policy of cooperation and coherence. "We ought to engage constructively and direct our energies towards the common good of our people."
He expressed his satisfaction by stating that Pakistan Navy has been effectively contributing to the overall deterrence and national security. In wake of game-changing development of CPEC with Gwadar Port as its 'pivot and enabler', maritime security all along the coast has assumed greater significance. Wherein, it is reassuring to note that Pakistan Navy is resolute and vigilant to safeguard Pakistan's maritime interests. The government also remains determined to make all necessary resources available to strengthen Pakistan Navy for making the seaward defence impregnable and promoting the blue economy.
While congratulating and extending felicitations on achieving this milestone, the Prime Minister advised young officers to lead by their conduct, character, knowledge and foresight. A leader is always courageous and steadfast, yet opens to new ideas and remains calm and composed even in the face of adversity. Instill unity and a sense of purpose in your team and always ensure that interests of the State remain over and above any individual consideration.
Earlier in his welcome address, Commodore Syed Faisal Hameed, Commandant Pakistan Naval Academy highlighted the salient features of the officers' training. He apprised the audience that the commissioning term was comprised 103 Midshipmen including 57 from Pakistan, 22 from Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, 15 from Qatar and 9 from Bahrain. He added that 26 Cadets from Short Service Commission course were also commissioned.
Later, the Prime Minister gave away prizes to the winners. Midshipman Syed Irtaza Haider Naqvi was awarded the coveted Sword of Honour for his overall best performance. Whereas, Midshipman Muhammad Aftab Nabi won the Academy's Dirk, Cadet Dayyan Ahmed was given Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee Gold Medal, Cadet Abdullah Shaheen from Bahrain was awarded Chief of the Naval Staff Gold Medal and Cadet Muhammad Mohsin Habib clinched the Commandant Gold Medal. Proficiency Banner was awarded to Forecastle Squadron.
Pakistan Naval Academy was established in December 1970 to train young cadets of Pakistan Navy. It's a prestigious institution, which besides training PN Cadets, has trained more than 2200 cadets from 20 friendly countries. Some of whom have served at top positions in respective countries. The ceremony was attended by a large number of senior military officers, Ambassadors, Defence Attaches of various countries, civil dignitaries and parents of passing out midshipmen and cadets.-PR