WASHINGTON: Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Asim Munir has said Pakistan successfully prevented a broader escalation with India by responding decisively and forcefully to its recent aggression but it was bent on creating instability in the region.
He said this while addressing the Pakistani diaspora during his US visit. Field Marshal Asim said India aspired to present itself as a Vishwa Guru (world leader) but it was far from reality. He made it clear that any aggression by India would be met with a befitting response.
He expressed deep concern over the involvement of India’s intelligence agency in transnational terrorist activities.
Pointing towards such activities, the field marshal cited examples such as the killing of Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada, the case of eight Indian naval officers in Qatar and incidents like that of Kulbhushan Jadhav, the Indian spy arrested from Balochistan.
He made it clear that Pakistan was the last bulwark against terrorism at the moment and expressed the resolve that there was no sympathy for terrorists and they will have to face justice.
He condemned the recent Indian aggression and termed it a shameful act carried out under false pretences and a grave violation of Pakistan’s sovereignty.
The army chief said Pakistan had fought a successful diplomatic battle against India’s discriminatory and duplicitous policies.
He expressed gratitude to US President Donald Trump saying his strategic leadership not only stopped a Pakistan-India war but also helped prevent several other ongoing global conflicts.
He expressed the hope that a huge investment was expected following the potential trade agreement between Pakistan and the US.
The army chief said implementation work was underway on several memoranda of understanding (MoUs) signed with China, US, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for the promotion of economic cooperation and investment.
He also highlighted the importance of understanding the new generation’s mindset, relationships and priorities as a pressing need of the time. “Our 64% youth population is full of immense potential and will play a key role in building the future,” General Asim Munir said.
He also stressed that Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJ&K) was not India’s internal matter but an unfinished item on the international agenda.
He said Kashmir was Pakistan’s jugular vein and reaffirmed the country’s full support for the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions on the disputed territory.
The army chief said his second visit to the United States in less than two months symbolised a new dimension in Pakistan-US relations aiming to put them on a constructive, sustainable and positive trajectory.
He added that several terrorist groups, including Khawarij from Afghanistan, remained active against Pakistan. He called the overseas Pakistanis not a case of brain-drain but rather brain-gain and described them as a source of pride and dignity.
The field marshal dismissed the derogatory term used for the talented nationals working in different countries. They are as passionate about the country as those living back home, he added, paying tribute to the expatriates. During an interactive session, he urged them to remain confident in Pakistan’s bright future and actively contribute to attracting investments.
The field marshal said Pakistan’s prosperity was closely linked to the Pakistani community living across the globe whose devotion to the homeland was a proven reality. He added that overseas Pakistanis had consistently responded first to the calls for assistance during the natural disasters.
Meanwhile, Gen Asim engaged in high-level interactions with senior political and military leadership, as well as members of the Pakistani diaspora. He attended a ceremony marking the departure of CENTCOM Commander General Michael E. Kurilla, and the assumption of command by Admiral Brad Cooper in Tampa.
He lauded General Kurilla’s exemplary leadership and his invaluable contributions to strengthening bilateral military cooperation and extended his best wishes to Admiral Cooper. Gen Asim expressed the confidence in continued collaboration to address shared security challenges, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) in a statement said.
He also met with Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine, where matters of mutual professional interest were discussed. He extended an invitation to General Caine to visit Pakistan.
On the sidelines, he interacted with Chiefs of Defence from friendly nations.
During an interactive session with the Pakistani diaspora, Gen Asim urged them to remain confident in Pakistan’s bright future and to actively contribute to attracting investments. The diaspora reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Pakistan’s progress and development.