Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir on Saturday vowed to thwart efforts of the country’s enemies to sow a division between the Pak Army and the nation, expressing his determination to “preserve and further solidify” their bond through “selfless performance” of constitutional duties.
His remarks came amid the attempts that are being made by external forces to exploit societal divisions in order to destabilize the country.
The COAS was addressing the passing out parade of the Pakistan Military Academy in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Kakul.
He said “remember, people are central to the unity of the state and our future, as well as progress, depends on internal cohesion, democracy and constitutionalism.”
“Our enemies are hell-bent upon driving a wedge between our people and armed forces for their ulterior motives. We will ensure that this bond is preserved and further solidified through selfless performance of the duties entrusted to us within the confines of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan,” the army chief stressed.
He said the Pakistani armed forces were determined to take all necessary measures to counter internal and external threats, recognising that the enemies may try to create a division and mistrust between the people and the military.
COAS Munir expressed concern at the increasing use of information warfare from within and across Pakistan’s borders.
He said that while the country has defeated organised terrorism as an existential threat, the scourge still posed a significant threat to society.
The army chief stated that there was no room for the spoilers of Pakistan’s great enterprise and vowed to foil any attempts aimed at causing instability or terrorism.
He said the Armed Forces of Pakistan would never shy away from any sacrifice to stabilize, secure and safeguard the future of our next generations.
“To us, nothing is more sacred than the safety and security of our people and no duty is more binding than the defence of our motherland. Go out now, and deliver to the expectations of your nation,” the COAS said.
The COAS said the Armed Forces’ efforts for peace should never be taken as a sign of weakness.
The COAS said, “We have the will, capability and capacity to protect our sovereignty and territorial integrity and we are well aware of the ways and means to do it. I assure the people of Pakistan that we will never hesitate in rendering any and every sacrifice necessary for the defence of our sacred motherland.”
“Brave soldiers of Armed Forces of Pakistan don’t get fascinated with the numbers/ resources of their adversaries. Armed Forces of Pakistan stand firm with their strong will and determination while fulfilling the promises of Almighty Allah as true followers,” the Army Chief said.
General Asim Munir referred to the Quranic verse of Surah Al-Baqarah, translation of which is: ” How many times it happened that a smaller force vanquished a bigger force by the Will of Allah.”
The COAS reviewed the parade and gave awards to distinguished cadets. The coveted Sword of Honour was awarded to Academy Senior Under Officer Abdullah Bin Tariq and President’s Gold medal to Battalion Senior Under Officer Ali Amir of 147th PMA Long Course.
The Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee Overseas Gold Medal was awarded to Battalion Sports Sergeant Pasindu Dayananda from Sri Lanka. The COAS Cane was awarded to Course Under Officer Muhammad Adnan Munawar of 13th Mujahid Course, the Commandant’s Canes were awarded to Course Under Officer Adil Ali of 66th Integrated Course, Course Sergeant Major Fatima Khalid of 21st Lady Cadet Course and Course Under Officer Salman Khan of 6th Basic Military Training Course.
The COAS congratulated the passing out cadets and their parents on the successful completion of their training at PMA; the premier training institution.
Earlier on arrival, the COAS was received by Commandant PMA.
