Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Gen. Asim Munir on Friday urged people to “not allow political differences to turn into hatred,” asserting that the strong bond between the Army and the public will ensure the defeat of the country’s enemies.
Addressing a ceremony marking the 59th Defense Day—annually held on Sept. 6 to commemorate the martyrs of the 1965 war against India—at General Headquarters in Rawalpindi, he stressed that attempts to weaken national solidarity would fail. In this regard, he called on the public to rise above religious intolerance and protect the rights of all minorities as per the Constitution.
He maintained that the strong ties between the Pakistan Army and the people of the country would continue to strengthen. “Whether facing hostile foreign elements or fighting the war against terrorism, carrying out relief activities in the face of disasters, or playing a role in projects related to the country’s progress, the Pakistani nation has always strengthened the Army’s resolve,” he said, adding this bond would also ensure the defeat of Pakistan’s enemies.
“The forces working to undermine the country’s security efforts and create a rift between the Army and the people will once again meet defeat,” he vowed, asserting that all elements spreading chaos, uncertainty, and despair would be defeated through unity of purpose and mental harmony.
Eradication of terrorism
On the resurgence of terrorism, the Army chief noted sacrifices rendered by the Army and the people, particularly the “brave people” of Balochistan and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, in the war on terror were ongoing. “And this war will continue until the elimination of all terrorists,” he said.
In this regard, he appreciated “important” achievements such as a united voice against Fitna al-Khawarij (the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan), the formal management of western borders, the inclusion of tribal areas in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, and economic and social development measures in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. “These achievements are the result of the determination of the state of Pakistan and the sacrifice of martyrs and soldiers,” he added.
Kashmir and Palestine
In his speech, Gen. Munir also condemned the human rights violations being committed against the people of Gaza and India-Occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
“India’s illegal occupation of Jammu and Kashmir is not only a national problem, but a regional and global problem,” he said. “We salute the freedom struggle of the Kashmiri people, and maintain that the establishment of sustainable peace in South Asia lies in the solution of the Kashmir issue,” he added.
On Gaza, Gen. Munir said the Palestinian conflict should be a very serious cause of concern for the world. “Israeli aggression, brutality, and exploitation of the Palestinian people is a clear violation of humanity and international laws,” he said, adding Pakistan would remain active diplomatically to achieve an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and halt the atrocities against Palestinians.
Progress linked with peace
Also addressing the ceremony, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif lauded the efforts of the armed forces to keep the country safe and said that unwavering defense was essential for the country. “Our borders are peaceful but we have adopted a role against terrorism and extremism, so we have advanced our weapons and space technology to ensure our defense,” he said, stressing that “progress and peace are intertwined.”
Maintaining the armed forces had foiled the nefarious designs of Pakistan’s enemies, he lamented their intentions still posed a threat to the country. “But we will not rest until Fitna al-Khawarij and their facilitators are eradicated from this country,” he said, vowing that the Army and law enforcement agencies would continue their operations until extremists were completely defeated.
He also lauded the parents of soldiers who laid down their lives in the service of country, promising not to let their sacrifices go in vain.