Gen Kayani calls for formulating new laws to tackle terrorism

KAKUL: Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani has called for formulating new laws to deal with the menace of terrorism and said that the entire world has framed new laws to punish terrorists.

Addressing a gathering at ‘Azadi Parade’, he said that the war against extremism and terrorism did not belong to only the army but it was also the war of the entire nation.

“It is imperative that the entire nation is united and the army could only be successful with the cooperation of the people,” he added.

General Kayani said till now the army and people have rendered great sacrifices at this front for which he paid great homage to martyrs and their families. He said that these sacrifices would only be successful when the civil administration would be able to take responsibilities without the help of the armed forces.

It would take some time but it should be the ultimate goal, he said.

The COAS said it was imperative to improve a situation in the affected areas. The army along with the government has so far completed economic and welfare projects worth Rs25 billion.

It would also spend the same amount for the completion of more projects in the next two years.

General Kayani said he realised that it was the most difficult task for any army to fight with its own people but it was done as a last resort. “Our actual objective that peace is returned in these areas and people could live there with peace. But it is necessary that all the people follow the Constitution of the country and its laws,” he added.

He said no state could tolerate a parallel system and military force, as peace could be ensured only by following the principles of Islam and the Constitution of the country. He said peace should be given a chance and any wise person would not differ from it. Hence any solution which is within the ambit of Constitution and acceptable to the society was possible.

He said that people were aware of the present deteriorating economic situation, corruption, decreasing civic facilities and problems being faced by the common man. He said it was the biggest challenge to protect national solidarity and unity. This situation would not improve until we are all ready to unite.

“We are proud of being Muslim and our history. We know that Islam gives a message of respecting humanity instead of terrorism. The creation of Pakistan was a great achievement of our forefathers and it was duty of our generation to leave a strong and developed Pakistan for the coming generations. We all are responsible for mistakes in the past but we should move forward and stand as one nation and prove that we are a strong nation having high moral values. Let us promise today that we all will fulfil our responsible and would not leave any stone unturned for the protection and development of the motherland,” General Kayani said.
General Kayani said that the country was passing through a critical phase, adding that the religious intolerance, political turmoil, and anarchy were big threats.

He said our enemies were trying to benefit from the country’s present situation and mistrust and added: “In this situation, our all efforts should be directed to improve and correct our internal affairs.”