Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said Tuesday that Pakistan is a peace-loving country and desires good relations with all countries, particularly its neighbours.

Addressing the passing out parade of graduating cadets at Pakistan Air Force Academy (PAF) Asghar Khan in Risalpur, the prime minister said Pakistan, despite its desire for peaceful co-existence, was not oblivious to its duties.

He said cooperation, rather than conflict, and shared prosperity, rather than mutual suspicion, is the hallmark of Pakistan's policy.

Sharif said Pakistan's armed forces are fully capable and prepared to respond to any spectrum of threats. He said the recent counter-terrorism operations have brought tremendous improvement in the internal security environment.

He noted that the PAF, besides guarding the airspace of the country, has played a critical role in Operation Zarb-i-Azb.

The nation has full trust in the country's armed forces, he said, assuring the government's full support in equipping the forces to address modern day challenges.

“The nation acknowledges and commends the valour and outstanding professionalism exhibited by the PAF and its leadership at all tiers,” he remarked.

The premier said the concept of national security has undergone a transformation and wars are no longer an exclusive sphere of military forces. As long as nations strive to preserve their way of life, ideological identity and economic interests, wars will continue to be waged in different domains, he added.

Sharif congratulated the graduating cadets and faculty of the academy for maintaining "the highest standards of excellence and professionalism".

He urged the young graduates to dedicate their energies to make Pakistan fully secure and a well-defended country. “The whole nation stands behind you,” he said.

The prime minister, along with Chief of Air Staff Sohail Aman, witnessed a march-past early in the ceremony.

He also awarded badges to the successful graduates, which included 137 general duty pilots, 83 engineering, 93 air defence, 18 administration and special duties, six navigation and two logistics courses cadets.

Minister for Defence Khawaja Asif, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Iqbal Jhagra, diplomats and parents also attended the event, which concluded with a spectacular aerobatics show by the Sherdil squadron of PAF.