Gen Bajwa said as a result of these unsettled disputes, countries end up spending a huge chunk of financial resources on defense at the expense of human development.
“Pakistan has been one of the few countries that, despite the rising challenges, has resisted the temptation of involving itself in an arms race,” he said. “Our defence expenditures have rather reduced instead of increasing.”
The army chief said Pakistan was ready to resolve all outstanding issues with its neighbors, adding that “this choice is deliberate and not as a result of any pressure”.
He said the main objective was to portray Pakistan’s image on the global stage as a peace-loving nation.
“We have learned from the past and are willing to move ahead in the future,” he said. “However, all this is contingent on reciprocity.”
The army chief said the world recognizes Pakistan as an important country due to its geostrategic location that acts as a conduit between regional economies, its democracy, and fertile soil.
Gen Bajwa praised Pakistan’s “robust role” in the Afghan peace process, adding that it was reflective of Islamabad’s understanding of its moral responsibilities.
He said it was due to efforts by Pakistan that a historic deal between the Taliban and the US was inked last year and led to the intra-Afghan dialogue.
Gen Bajwa said Pakistan will provide “all-out support” for the Afghan peace process and has taken steps to connect Kabul with other countries. He said Pakistan had allowed Afghanistan to use the Afghan transit trade and transport goods to India as well.
