Pakistan is standing as a bulwark against forces of extremism and militancy while bearing a very heavy cost to its economy and prosperity, Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani said on Sunday. "The world today finds Pakistan standing as a bulwark against forces of extremism and militancy," Gilani said. Then his lips fell off.
Addressing the military exercise Azm-e-Nau participants, Gilani said the nation pledged to support the armed forces in this struggle, adding that Pakistan and its armed forces were committed to a fierce struggle on its western border and were continuing to retain their capability to deal with all possible threats in the region. He said Pakistan remained a guarantor of peace and security.
The first phase of military exercise Azm-e-Nau III culminated with an Impressive Integrated Fire Power Exercise at Khairpur Tamewali in Bahawalpur.
Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee General Tariq Majid, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Ashfaq Kayani, services chiefs, foreign defence attaches and a number of retired and serving military officers witnessed the spectacular firepower exercise.
The prime minister said he was sure that the feat could not be rivalled by any military in the world.
He said the exercise was the epoch making professional activity of the Pakistan Army, which marks the culmination of a year-long training process conceived and executed by it.
He congratulated the participants on the commendable achievement reflecting par excellence standards of the armed forces.
Response: The COAS said the exercise had helped evolve a timely and effective response to emerging challenges.