Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa reiterated on Friday that Pakistan's armed forces will never abandon Kashmir and will go to any lengths to protect the Kashmiris.

Addressing an event held at General Headquarters in Rawalpindi, the COAS said today Pakistan gives the message of peace and security to the world. He said that the country has fulfilled its responsibilities in the war on terrorism and now responsibility rests with the international community to reject all forms of terrorism and extremism.

The army chief further said that from 1947 till today, Pakistan’s journey has been rife with sacrifices of its martyrs and the country salutes them. "They sacrificed their today for our better tomorrow. Our martyrs sacrifices have not gone in vain, nor will they," he said.

While speaking about the increasing in violence in by India in Indian occupied Kashmir, he said the people of Pakistan feel their pain and stand with the people of Kashmir. "Our hearts are together and Kashmir is like our jugular vein," the COAS said.

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The Army chief continued that Kashmir issue is an 'unresolved agenda' of the realisation of Pakistan and it would remain so until a solution is found on the basis of the United Nations resolutions and the will of the Kashmiri people.

He further said that Pakistan is a peaceful country and it wants peace in Kashmir as well. “Till the last bullet, last soldier and last breath, we will go to any lengths for Kashmir," the army chief vowed.

The 54th Defence and Martyrs Day is being observed today to pay tribute to the martyrs. The main ceremony of Defence and Martyrs Day was held at General Headquarters in Rawalpindi. The COAS laid the floral wreath at the martyrs monument. Bereaved families of the martyrs also attended the ceremony.