ISLAMABAD: Army chief Gen Raheel Sharif said on Saturday peace in the region could only come through settlement of the Kashmir issue.

“Lasting peace in the region will only come about with a fair and just resolution of the Kashmir issue in accordance with the will of Kashmiri people as enshrined in UN resolutions,” he said at the passing out parade at the Pakistan Military Academy, Kakul.

“Let there be no doubt that any aggression against our beloved country will get a befitting response and no sacrifice will be too great in this sacred cause,” Gen Sharif said.

He said Pakistan desired regional stability and relationships based on equality and mutual respect.

‘North Waziristan military operation delivering decisive results’

Taking a swipe at New Delhi for its handling of protests in India-held Kashmir, the army chief said repression of Kashmiris by Indian forces would not deter them from exercising their freedom of choice.

“It is our firm belief that the determination of our Kashmiri brethren and collective conscience of the free world will bear fruit and their aspirations will eventually be realised,” he added

Gen Sharif made these comments against the backdrop of heightened tensions with India over the LoC and Working Boundary in which 12 people have been killed due to shelling by Indian troops.

The violations of the 2003 ceasefire accord have been happening since 2010, but have become particularly intense since last year. The peace dialogue between the two countries, which has been suspended since January last year, has been a major victim of the clashes.

Gen Sharif had also said while visiting the LoC late last month that “provocation along the Line of Control will be responded to effectively”.

Despite his tough words Pakistan’s response to Indian shelling has been measured.

Figures shared with the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs on Thursday showed that India fired approximately 36,000 rounds in the current episode of ceasefire violations. Pakistani troops in response fired about 8,000 rounds.

Military operation

Turning to the operation in North Waziristan, Gen Sharif said Zarb-i-Azb should not be seen only as a counter-terrorism action, but as a commitment to rid the country of terrorism forever.

In North Waziristan, the military operations were delivering decisive results, he said.

In addition, he pointed out, terrorist networks across the country were being targeted.

He said displaced people of the Federally Administered Tribal Areas “will be able to return to their homes sooner than expected” because of the successful operation.

“Nonetheless, in order to bring about lasting peace in Fata and the country at large, cohesive, dedicated and timely involvement of all stakeholders and state institutions is essential,” he said.

The army chief renewed an offer of support to the Afghan security forces.

APP adds: Gen Sharif said that the rapidly changing geopolitical environment and globally asserting no-state actors had put Pakistan in the centre stage.

“In its wake it has brought numerous challenges and opportunities for Pakistan. This has put enormous burden of responsibility and deliverance on Pakistan Army.

Shying away from adversities is not in our nature, we have resolved to face these squarely, as this is the surest route to success,” he added.

“May it be external aggression, internal security, national building tasks or natural calamities such as floods and earthquakes; we have always lived up to the expectations of the nation.”

Published in Dawn, October 19th, 2014