Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir has warned against allowing political differences to transform into hatred, urging the people to follow three principles of the founder of Pakistan Quaid-i-Azam.
“Don’t allow political differences to transform into hatred. The guiding principles of Quaid—faith, unity, and organization—should serve as our beacon,” he said while addressing a ceremony to mark Defence and Martyrs Days in Rawalpindi on Friday, commemorating the sacrifices of fallen heroes of the 1965 war against India.
The army’s top brass, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the Azad Jammu and Kashmir prime minister, other senior military and governmental officials, and families of martyred soldiers attended the ceremony.
He said that Pakistan’s armed forces and the people knew how to defend its totality as the army chief warned foreign forces involved in spreading terrorism in the country.
“Pakistan’s armed forces and the people will never allow malicious intentions to succeed,” he said.
He expressed complete confidence in Pakistan’s bright future as an essential part of patriotism. The army chief urged the adoption of qualities of unity and solidarity, saying: “In social and societal matters, we must demonstrate fraternity, harmony, tolerance, and patience.”
He stressed the need for “fully protecting” the rights of minorities in accordance with the Constitution of Pakistan, rising above religious intolerance.
In addition to its geographical significance, the army chief stated that Allah has blessed Pakistan with abundant natural resources. “The true asset of the nation is its people, especially the youth, whose role is crucial for the country’s integrity and development.”
While addressing the Jammu and Kashmir issue, COAS Munir said: “India’s illegal occupation not only poses a challenge for Pakistan but also represents a regional and global concern.” He paid tribute to the Kashmiri people’s struggle for freedom and asserted that lasting peace in South Asia hinges on the resolution of the Kashmir issue.
Furthermore, he noted that the Pakistani nation honours the martyrs of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir. The army chief also raised concerns about the Palestinian conflict, calling it a pressing issue for the world. He condemned Israeli aggression and the exploitation of Palestinians as a blatant violation of humanity and international law.
“Pakistan will remain active on a diplomatic level to advocate for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and to prevent the brutality faced by the Palestinian people,” he said.
The army chief paid tribute to the martyrs of Pakistan. “Martyrs are Pakistan’s identity and their families are a source of pride for the nation.”
He asserted that “no power in the world can defeat” the Pakistani people, expressing confidence in the resilience of the nation. The army chief also commended the wounded soldiers and veterans of the Pakistan Armed Forces and law enforcement agencies, who have acted as a “formidable shield” against enemies of the state, ensuring national security.
Thanks to the eternal sacrifices of martyrs and veterans, he stated, the country’s defence would remain invincible.
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He reiterated that the ‘Operation Azm-i-Istehkam’ was an integral part of the National Action Plan.
The army chief called for uniting against all factors that spread discord, uncertainty, and despair within the nation. He reassured that the nefarious objectives aimed at weakening national unity will never succeed.
He warned those who incite chaos under foreign influence, stating that they, along with those who justify and defend such crimes, would continue to face challenges.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed pride in addressing the families of martyrs, saying that September 6 holds national significance and acknowledged the bravery of the armed forces of Pakistan in confronting enemies. He paid tribute to the mothers who sacrificed their loved ones for the nation.
In his speech, the premier said that the sacrifices of martyrs would not be in vain and the spirit of the martyrs’ families further strengthened national resolve. He reiterated that “peace is a top priority, and Pakistan desires good relations with all neighbours,” emphasising that the protection of the country was a collective responsibility.
PM Shehbaz went on to add that an “invincible defence is paramount,” highlighting Pakistan’s role in promoting peace in the region.
He said that the armed forces had foiled the nefarious designs of Pakistan’s enemies, but their intentions still posed a threat to Pakistan.
“But we will not rest until Fitna al-Khawarij and their facilitators are eradicated from this country,” PM Shehbaz said.
The premier added that neither insults nor violence were solutions to problems. “There is a national consensus on eliminating terrorism, vowing to fully eradicate terrorists and their supporters,” he said and warned that division among nations weakens the state and affirmed Pakistan’s commitment to raise voices for Kashmir and Palestine.
