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Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto said, the Siachen issue is in fact, linked with the freedom of the Northern Areas, sovereignity of Pakistan, and the fate of Kashmir.

She said the people of the Northern Areas themselves waged a war of independence and acceded to Pakistan on their own.

"All the propagated claims by our enemy hold no truth as the people of the Northern Areas themselves waged a war of independence and acceded to Pakistan on their own.

Similarly, she said, the Kashmiris themselves have been fighting for their freedom but they have been betrayed and their destination has been made elusive through conspiracies between Delhi and Srinagar.

"The Kashmiris, who themselves have been fighting for their freedom, have been distanced from their destination through conspiracies hatched between Delhi and Srinagar."

Praising the spirit of bravery of the armed forces at Siachen Benazir Bhutto said, the spirit of martyrdom and bravery exhibited by the armed forces on Siachen has inspired the Kashmiri freedom fighters.

"It is, in fact, the show of courage and heroic bravery and the spirit of martyrdom that the Kashmiri freedom fighters have based their freedom struggle on," she said.

She said, soon the issues of Siachen and Kashmir will be resolved.

"I assure you that soon we shall not only find a solution to the Siachen issue but also the Kashmiris, who are nearing their destination, will achieve freedom - and you will play a major role in this success."

The Prime Minister said, those fighting in Siachen will be remembered as defenders of freedom, Mujahids of Allah and champions of humanity who confounded the evil forces.

Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto said, the top foremost priority of her government is to ensure the safety of the country through a strong defence.

"Our foremost priority is to strengthen the defensive capability of our armed forces, so that no enemy may harbour evil designs toward us," she said.

She said, it is because of our armed forces in Siachen that the Indian dreams of gaining an upper hand has been shattered - and for this feat our army deserves full credit.

"Our armed forces have spirits higher than the mountains of Saltor and they are more stronger in defense than rocks of Himalaya - our armed forces can fight with stormy strength, we have pledged to defend our country and to do that we will spare no effort and no sacrifice."

Benazir Bhutto said, "I am fully confident that our brave armed forces will overcome all difficulties and barriers to keep aloft the esteem of the Pakistan army."

She quoted a verse from the Holy Quran: "Those who are believers, they fight in the way of Allah and those are infidels, their fight is for the profane motives - so fight against those who endeared by the Devil and know it that the devilish move is always weak."

She said "Final victory will be ours" - so keep your heads high and be steadfast - Allah will be on your side and success will become your fate.