The army chief lauded the media and said: "We believe in freedom of media and responsible journalism".
His comments came amid a controversy surrounding the attack on leading Geo TV anchor Hamid Mir and subsequent move by the Defence Ministry seeking cancellation of the broadcasting licence of the channel.
Sharif said Pakistan Army supports every effort for elimination of terrorism and restoration of peace in the country.
He said armed forces of Pakistan are capable enough to foil the nefarious designs of the enemy and remain alert round the clock for defence of the motherland.
Nobody should doubt the capabilities of Pakistan Army as it will come to the expectations of the nation, he said.
Sharif asked anti-state elements to unconditionally accept Pakistan's Constitution and join the national mainstream otherwise the military "with the support of people will take them to task".
The ceremony was attended by a large number of dignitaries, including Defence Minister Khawaja Asif and former Army Chief Ashfaq Pervez Kayani.
