cpec photos on Flickr

Islamabad The Beautiful & Garrison City Of Rawalpindi (Twin Cities - Himalyan Region ) by Khan Khattak

@ Islamabad The Beautiful ( Federal Capital, Founded by Field Marshal Mohammed Ayub Khan ) & Garrison City Of Rawalpindi ( Army Capital )

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Presidents Xi and Zardari oversee the signing of the CPEC accord by Dr Ghulam Nabi Kazi

Gilgit-Baltistan-i by Kashmir Global

Gilgit-Baltistan is located in north of Pakistan - CPEC China-Pak. (c) Taseen Farooq

Gilgit-Baltistan-i by Kashmir Global

Gilgit-Baltistan is located in north of Pakistan - CPEC China-Pak. (c) Taseen Farooq

COAS SPEECH AT GAWADAR by Pakistan Army

1

“Bismillahirrahmanirrahim”

Nawab Sana UllahZehri,

Chief Minister of Balochistan

Commander Southern Command, Excellencies, Respected participants of the Seminar, Ladies and Gentlemen

Assalam-O-Alaikum,

it is indeed a matter of great honour and privilege for me to be part of this august gathering. I am thankful to the Govt of Balochistan, HQ Southern Command and organizers of this Seminar for giving me the opportunity to attend this event of immense significance

I am also grateful to the participants for their candid views and worthwhile ideas which will help us in optimizing the tue potential of this project.

CPEC is the grand manifestation of the deep-rooted ties between China and Pakistan. Much larger than its bilateral benefits, CPEC is indeed a corridor of peace & prosperity, not only for the people of Pakistan & China but also for the region and beyond. It will bind all these nations together and bring about an economic transformation through enhanced connectivity

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Having passed through tough fight against terrorism, we have now come a long way in our struggle for stability and development. As you all know, Op Zarb-e-Azb is in progress, and let me say with satisfaction, that we are in the final stages of our military operation in FATA

I take pride in mentioning the strong resolve and sacrifices offered by the people, Intelligence and Law Enforcement Agencies, and our gallant armed forces. Ladies and Gentlemen, Op Zarb-e-Azb is not only an operation but a wholesome concept. It ultimately aims at breaking the syndicate of terrorism, extremism and corruption. I urge the international community to not only acknowledge our successes and sacrifices, but also come forward in blocking external help to these terrorist organizations and their facilitators, abettors and financiers

With relative stability achieved, environment is now set for launching of development prong

CPEC is a lifetime opportunity for Pakistan to improve the socio-economic equation of its underprivileged areas and populace. I assure the people of Balochistan that it is they,who will benefit the most from the fruits of this project

In my belief,CPEC is poised to bring a true economic transformation to the Province. In the place of today’s rugged mountains and lifeless barren deserts, we look forward to the emergence of modern infrastructure, special economic zones, health facilities and universities which will bring enduring benefits for our people

It is pertinent to mention that, though Gwadar is central to the broader conception of CPEC, the corridor itself ranges from Western China to the plains and coasts of Pakistan and promises to bring prosperity to the remotest areas of Pakistan from Gilgit-Baltistan to Balochistan

For sustainability of this project, transparency and good management are extremely important. Socio-economic justice resulting from the balanced development will also increase people’s stakes in national unity and cohesion. For our enduring progress and prosperity, this sense of coherence will be our greatest asset

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Now, zooming out to the global and regional level, we have seen a wide appreciation of CPEC by many world powers who appreciate the true potential of CPEC as a catalyst of economic transformation of the entire region

At the same time, CPEC has also raised many eyebrows by those competing for influence in the region

In this context, I must highlight that India,our immediate neighbor, has openly challenged this development initiative

We all know that hostile intelligence agencies are averse to this grand project. Here, Ladies and Gentlemen, I would like to make a special reference to Indian Intelligence Agency RAW that is blatantly involved in destabilizing Pakistan. Let me make it clear that we will not allow anyone to create impediments and turbulence in any part of Pakistan. Therefore, it is important for all to leave behind confrontation, and focus on cooperation

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Since the onset of CPEC, Balochistan has seen unprecedented development of communication infrastructure. We mobilized Army Engineers for construction and, Army and Frontier Corpsunits for security of the projects. Over the past two years, six hundred and seventy five kms of roads have already been constructed, while by the end of this year, a total of eight hundred and seventy kms of road infrastructure will be completed by FWO

With Gwadar as pivot, the dividends of CPEC will be reaped not only by Balochistan but shall spread across the entire rim of Indian Ocean Region

As the Chief of Army Staff, I assure you that security of CPEC is our national undertaking and we will not leave any stone unturned. We will continue to keep a close watch at its every step

To this effect, a fifteen thousand strong dedicated force is already in place under the ambit of Spec Security Division

Ladies and Gentlemen,

CPEC,besides being at the core of our national resolve, is a reflection of Pakistan-China friendship. It will be truly realized, whatever it takes. Insha’Allah this year, we will move Cargo from heartland China to Gwadar and beyond, fulfilling our dream

I have no doubt in my mind that, with the help of God Almighty, Gwadar is set to become a port, worthy of its geo-political significance, transforming our beloved Pakistan into a prosperous state, as envisioned by Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah

At this point, let me emphasize that our greatest asset is our youth; the hope and future of this great nation. Whatever we build today, we build it for them. The investment that we are making in our youth today, will enable them to take on the challenges of tomorrow and lead this great country to a prosperous future

In the end, I would like to specially thank the brave people of Balochistan, Government officials of the Province, Officers and men of Southern Command and Frontier Corps in transforming the environment which has made possible quick development and paved the way for progess

May Allah help us in our future endeavours and be our guide and protector

Balochistan Zinda Bad,

Pakistan Painda Bad

105th Midshipmen commissioning term and 14th Short Service Commission Officers’ Course, comprising a total of 131 officers, got commissioned at Pakistan Naval Academy PNS RAHBAR by Pakistan Army

The 105th Midshipmen commissioning term and 14th Short Service Commission Officers’ Course, comprising a total of 131 officers, got commissioned at Pakistan Naval Academy PNS RAHBAR, upon completion of rigorous training. Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Muhammad Zakaullah NI(M) graced the occasion as Chief Guest.

Upon his arrival, the Chief Guest was received by Commander Karachi Rear Admiral Farrokh Ahmad HI(M).

Chief of the Naval Staff, while addressing said that Pakistan is a peace loving country and seeks harmonious and peaceful co-existence with all its neighbours. However, this desire for peace must not be construed as a sign of weakness. Any attempt to browbeat Pakistan would neither succeed nor serve the purpose of peace and prosperity in the region. We are fully geared to give a befitting response in case of any misadventure. He further added that in the current security scenario, certain elements, who are mostly abetted externally are at play to disrupt our peace and harmony. There is a consensus at the national level to cleanse Pakistan of the scourge of terrorism once and for all. Pakistan Armed Forces are at the cutting-edge of this resolve. A resolve that is evident from our actions and results achieved.

The Naval Chief also dilated upon the efforts of Pakistan Navy to curb Maritime related terrorist activities at international level and highlighted that Pakistan Navy is engaged with the international community and is contributing more than its fair share against the nefarious elements contriving to disrupt peace and stability in our region. In this regard, Pakistan Navy’s participation in Combined Task Forces 150 & 151 operations is a manifestation of our earnest endeavours to eradicate unscrupulous elements and complement counter-terrorism and security efforts in our region. We are also preparing to the utmost to ensure security of our CPEC.

While congratulating and extending felicitations on achieving this milestone, the Naval Chief advised the passing out Midshipmen and Cadets to remain abreast with the latest developments, both in technological domain as well as evolving doctrinal concepts. He further emphasized that you will lead highly trained and motivated personnel. Your conduct and professionalism will be observed and emulated by them. You are therefore, expected to blend the traits of professional acumen, loyalty, courage and character in your personality.

Earlier in his welcome address, Commandant Pakistan Naval Academy highlighted the salient features of the officers training. He apprised the audience that the commissioning term comprises of 105 Midshipmen including 45 from Pakistan and 60 from brotherly countries Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Libya. He added that 26 Cadets from Short Service Commission Officers batch are also being passed out today. The Commandant highlighted that cadets from Bahrain, Jordan, Libya, Maldives, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Srilanka, Turkmenistan and Yemen are also undergoing training at Pakistan Naval Academy.

Later, the Chief Guest gave away prizes to the winners. Midshipman Sher Zaman was awarded the coveted Sword of Honour for his overall best performance. Whereas, Midshipman Muhammad Ahsan won the Academy’s Dirk, Cadet Munis Mehboob (SSC) clinched/received the Commandant Gold Medal and Cadet Raja Muhammad Shehryar Qadir was given Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee Gold Medal.

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.