BRITISH FIRM TO INTRODUCE DISSOLVABLE POLYTHENE BAGS IN KARACHI.

CNews KAKUL: Vice Chief of Army Staff, General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani on Saturday said Pakistan Army will spare no effort as part of the national strategy to assist the Government and eradicate the menace of extremism and obscurantism with the support and help of the people of Pakistan.“We would like to continue on the path of progress, so that our future generations live in peace, prosperity and security,” he said while addressing the passing out parade of 116 PMA, 30 Graduate, 35 Integrated Course and second Ladies Integrated Course at Pakistan Military Academy. Addressing the parade, he congratulated the passing out cadets on successful completion of training and on grant of commission in Pakistan Army. He said this day is of great significance for cadets who will leave the academy and join the Army. The Vice Chief of Army Staff said the country is faced with a difficult environment. “Our country is facing a significant threat from forces of extremism and obscurantism. Despite being in minority, they have the potential to destabilize our socio- political order and retard economic progress achieved in the last decade,” he said. He said the only way to foil and defeat full spectrum of the threats is through a comprehensive national effort, where all segments of the society play their rightful role.General Kayani said today the cadets will join Pakistan Army, which is a proud and professional institution with rich history and valued traditions. “Army is a national institution with representation from all parts of the country,” he said. He said the Army has never been in better shape than what it is today and modernization plans would effectively meet the challenges of the present and future conflicts. Pakistan Army is fully capable of ensuring security and integrity of Pakistan, with the people of Pakistan firmly behind it he said.“We must thank the nation for sacrificing so much and providing us with resources and support to remain fully prepared. We must uphold the trust by making the defense of Pakistan impregnable,” he said. Presently, he said Pak Army is engaged in multi-faceted tasks both inside and outside. As the largest troops contributing country, Pak Army is engaged in service of peace under the United Nations banner and its performance has been praised globally. Internally, General Kayani said Pakistan Army has been undertaking a number of development works, specially in the tribal areas and Balochistan for the good of the people.The Army will continue its contribution in such tasks with unflinching zeal and commitment, he said.While paying rich tributes to the officers and troops of Army and Frontier Corps and other law enforcing agencies who have given the ultimate sacrifice both on the Line of Control in Kashmir and Siachen and while combating extremism and terrorism. Vice Chief of Army Staff said country’s western borders Pak Army faces the most challenging environment and its troops are performing a very difficult task, assigned to them by the Government. “I have no doubt that we shall succeed in our endeavour, with the support of our countrymen,” he said. “While we are modernizing and restructuring Pakistan Army, we should remain focused in pursuit of professional excellence and this a force multiplier which will further enhance our operational preparedness,” he said. He urged the graduating cadets to uphold the Armed Forces tradition of professional standards, dedication, sacrifices and commitment. He said as young leaders you must lead your men always and the best way to lead is through personal example. This is essence of military leadership. “It will be your strength of character which will ultimately prove decisive”, he said. Earlier, the Vice Chief of Army Staff reviewed the smartly turned out parade and awarded the coveted Sword of Honour to Academy Senior Under Officer Muhammad Ahmed, the President’s Gold Medal to Battalion Senior Under Officer Hassan, Chief of Army Staff’s Overseas Gold Medal to Allied Sergeant Abdullah Sharif from Maldives and Chief of Army Staff Cane to Under Officer Usman. Commandant’s Cane was awarded to Lady Under Officer Mahwash Manzoor and Integrated Course Under Officer Shehryar. Later, the senior division which comprised cadets of 116 PMA, 30 Graduate, 35 Integrated Course and 2nd Ladies Integrated Course passed out on the marshal tunes of Army Brass Band. A large number of diplomats, senior serving and retired Armed Forces officers and relatives of the passing out cadets witnessed the parade.