President Arif Alvi on Thursday has said that Pakistan desires peace, security, and development in the whole region. He was addressing the military parade at parade avenue in Islamabad.

While addressing the gathering, the president said that South Asian countries should reject politics of hate and religious extremism and work towards promoting peace in the region. Peaceful coexistence is a major part of Pakistan's foreign policy, he added.

"Pakistan wants to move forward with good intent and peace but our desire for peace should not be construed as our weakness."

Arif Alvi said that Pakistan is capable of defending its borders and territorial integrity at all costs. He added that the country's armed forces are always ready to give a befitting response to any misadventure from the enemy.

He said that apart from becoming a strong nuclear state, Pakistan is also progressing in socio-economic sectors and has achieved self-reliance in defense. He expressed satisfaction that Pakistan is also exporting its defense products.

Arif Alvi said, "Our valiant and brave forces are a symbol of our independence and sovereignty."

He said the entire nation stands shoulder to shoulder with its armed forces. He said that the people of Pakistan always stand united with armed forces in case of any foreign aggression, terrorism, and natural calamities.

Alvi highlighted that operation "Raddul Fassad" aimed to destroy the terrorist networks across the country and the entire world acknowledged Pakistan's successes in the war against terrorism.