By Mustapha Sumaila
The Islamic Republic of Pakistan says efforts are being put in place to completely eradicate remnant of militants in the country.
The Pakistan High Commission to Nigeria, Maj. Gen. (Rtd), Waqar Kingravi stated this at the ceremony to mark 53rd Defense Day of the country in Abuja.
Kingravi explained that Pakistan had done so much to defeat militants but the battle was not yet over as remnants of such insurgents were still displaying their ugly head.
He said that his country had intensified efforts and adjusted its strategies to strongly deal with the militants in more hostile ways.
The envoy stated that the day was to commemorate the successful defense of their homeland by their Armed Forces and brave people of Pakistan against a large scale offensive launched by much larger eastern neighbour.
The High Commissioner noted that the day also denoted the resolve of people of Pakistan to defend their territorial integrity against all sorts of threats including militants, terrorists and other external aggression.
He said that his country and Nigeria had been cooperating in the past in the political and military fields to promote world peace pointing out that such needed to be boosted.
Kingravi thanked Nigeria for its open hearted support to Pakistan and on Kashmir cause in particular at various international fora.
The High Commissioner commended Nigerian government in the fight against terrorism in the North-East.
“I have to congratulate the Nigerian Armed Forces in bringing peace to the North East and commend the government in fighting extremism in this country,” he said.
The Nigerian Minister of Defense, Rtd Maj.-Gen. Mansur Danali said that Nigeria and Pakistan had maintained good relations over the year and that had grown from strength to strength
Represented by a Director from the ministry of defence, Alhaji Hassan Abdullahi, the minister stated that Pakistan had supported the country in the fight against Boko Haram.
He added that Nigeria had recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Pakistan on military cooperation. (NAN)
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