Raheel Sharif, Shahid Khaqan Abbasi Highlight Broader Meaning of National Security at Book Launch
ISLAMABAD: Former Chief of Army Staff General (Retd.) Raheel Sharif and former Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi emphasized that national security extends beyond military strength during the launch ceremony of defense analyst Ikram Sehgal’s new book, National Security Strategy: A Personal Chronicle of Pakistan.
The event was attended by several prominent personalities. It was announced that the book is dedicated to the Sharif family, including Nishan-e-Haider recipients Major Aziz Bhatti and Major Shabbir Sharif, as well as former Army Chief General (Retd.) Raheel Sharif.
Addressing the ceremony, General (Retd.) Raheel Sharif, who currently heads the Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition (IMCTC) based in Saudi Arabia, described national security as a highly complex subject.
He said that during his tenure as army chief, Pakistan fought an extensive campaign against terrorism. He agreed with the author’s view that national security is not limited to military affairs but also includes economic and social dimensions. Raheel Sharif also thanked Ikram Sehgal for dedicating the book to his family.
Speaking at the event, former Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi said Pakistan is currently facing multiple challenges and requires practical solutions to address them.
He stated that the true meaning of national security lies in protecting citizens and resolving their problems. According to Abbasi, a state that effectively addresses the needs of its people is fulfilling the real purpose of national security.
Abbasi further said there is no miraculous solution to Pakistan’s problems and stressed that the rule of law remains the only sustainable path to overcoming the country’s challenges.
He also praised General (Retd.) Raheel Sharif’s leadership, saying he faced extraordinary security challenges during his tenure and successfully led efforts to address them. He paid tribute to the sacrifices made by Pakistan Army personnel in the fight against terrorism.
Referring to recent remarks by Maulana Fazlur Rehman, Abbasi said people join the armed forces out of commitment rather than for salary alone, and expressed hope that the JUI-F chief would clarify his recent comments.
