ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari on Saturday said that Pakistan was a peace-loving and responsible nuclear state but it would neither make any compromise on its sovereignty nor would tolerate any efforts of terrorists or any group aimed at destabilising it.
“Pakistan wants relations with all our neighbors. We are a peace-loving country and a responsible nuclear state. However, let me make it clear that we will not compromise on our sovereignty… We will not tolerate any efforts by terrorists or any group to destabilize our country,” the president said addressing the Pakistan Day Parade ceremony held here.
Pakistan not to compromise its sovereignty, tolerate any destabilizing efforts: President Pakistan Day is observed in remembrance of the adoption of the Lahore Resolution on March 23, 1940. This resolution, put forth by the All-India Muslim League, called for the creation of a distinct homeland for Muslims of the subcontinent.
The day started with a 31-gun salute in the federal capital and a 21-gun salute in the provincial capitals. Besides President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, federal cabinet members, services chiefs, diplomats, notables from different walks of life and a huge number of citizens attended the ceremony.
Pakistan not to compromise its sovereignty, tolerate any destabilizing efforts: President Saudi Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman Al Saud, who previously served as an F-15 pilot in Royal Saudi Air Force, was the guest of honour of the ceremony.
In his address, President Zardari said that the Pakistani nation and armed forces were always ready to respond to any aggression at all times. “Today’s parade is a reminder of our unity, strength, and pride,” said the president who earlier reviewed the parade after arriving at the venue escorted in his chariot by the presidential guards mounted on horses.
Pakistan not to compromise its sovereignty, tolerate any destabilizing efforts: President The president congratulated the nation on the Day which commemorated the historic struggle of the Muslims of the subcontinent to achieve a separate homeland under the leadership of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.
