ISLAMABAD: Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Asim Munir Sunday warned of a swift and strong response to any act of aggression against Pakistan.
Speaking to this correspondent at a luncheon, hosted for Jordan’s King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein at the President’s House, he raised his finger towards the sky, saying: “I did not lead Pakistan to victory, Allah did.”
“It is Allah’s special blessing that Pakistan’s enemy bit the dust in May. Pakistan’s Army is Allah’s Army, its soldiers fight in the name of Allah,” he added.
The army chief also reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to peace. He said the country would respond firmly to any aggression, similar to its response during the May conflict with India.
Field Marshal Munir, reciting verses from the Quran, said that Allah Almighty has promised believers that with faith they can defeat any enemy, regardless of its strength, adding that Pakistan demonstrated this in May.
As the participants of the meeting began congratulating the field marshal, he asked them to pray for Pakistan’s progress. The army chief then reiterated his unwavering commitment to fulfil his duties “as commanded by Allah”.
Earlier, President Asif Ali Zardari and King Abdullah II ibn Al-Hussein Sunday reaffirmed the longstanding and fraternal ties between Pakistan and Jordan, expressing commitment to further strengthening bilateral cooperation and enhancing people-to-people contacts.
President Zardari received the Jordanian monarch, who is on a state visit to Pakistan at the Aiwan-e-Sadr. King Abdullah II was accompanied by His Royal Highness Prince Ghazi bin Muhammad, Chief Adviser for Religious and Cultural Affairs and Personal Envoy, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Major General Yousef Huneiti.
First Lady Aseefa Bhutto Zardari, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and Senator Sherry Rehman were also present.
During their meeting, the two leaders reviewed the full spectrum of bilateral relations as well as regional and international developments of mutual concern, with particular focus on peace, stability and security in the Middle East. They underscored the importance of close cooperation in multilateral forums and in advancing humanitarian and development initiatives.
On the situation in Palestine, President Zardari and King Abdullah II noted a convergence of views, reaffirming their shared principled position on post-war Gaza. They rejected any displacement of Palestinians and reiterated support for a Two-State solution — calling for an independent, sovereign, contiguous State of Palestine on pre-June 1967 borders with Al-Quds as its capital.
King Abdullah II expressed pride in Jordan’s deep-rooted ties with Pakistan and reiterated his country’s keenness to expand cooperation across various fields. Both leaders voiced confidence in the future trajectory of bilateral relations and agreed to maintain close coordination on regional and global issues.
A special investiture ceremony followed, where President Zardari conferred the Nishan-e-Pakistan on King Abdullah II. In return, the Jordanian monarch bestowed upon President Zardari the Wisam al-Nahdah al-Mursa (Bejewelled Grand Cordon of Al Nahdah, translated as Order of the Renaissance), an honour awarded to heads of state and distinguished dignitaries.
The ceremony was attended by Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Senate Chairman Yusuf Raza Gilani, Field Marshal Asim Munir, the Air and Naval chiefs, federal ministers and members of the diplomatic corps.
Later, a state banquet was hosted at the Aiwan-e-Sadr in honour of the visiting dignitary.
Separately, Field Marshal Asim Munir Sunday reaffirmed Pakistan’s resolve to further strengthen military-to-military cooperation with Jordan, stressing the shared vision of a stable and peaceful region.
He made these remarks during the visit of King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein to the Tilla Field Firing Ranges. PM Shehbaz Sharif and Azerbaijan’s Minister of Defence Industry, Vugar Valeh oglu Mustafayev, were also in attendance.
King Abdullah II and other distinguished guests witnessed a joint fire and manoeuvre exercise showcasing multi-domain operations, including conventional and aerial firepower, coordinated manoeuvres, spectrum warfare capabilities and the use of multi-purpose drones in diverse roles.
The Jordanian monarch appreciated the high standards of training, professionalism and operational readiness demonstrated by Pakistani troops and air crews.
PM Shehbaz Sharif, speaking on the occasion, highlighted Pakistan’s deep respect and affection for King Abdullah II and the people of Jordan, stating that the royal visit reflects enduring friendship, mutual trust and a shared commitment to peace and development.
Field Marshal Munir underscored the strength of the defence partnership between Pakistan and the Hashemite Kingdom.
Earlier, King Abdullah II had conferred upon the COAS the Order of the Military Merit of First Degree in recognition of his outstanding service and contribution to bolstering defence cooperation between the two countries.
The King also visited Global Industrial and Defence Solutions (GIDS), accompanied by Princess Salma bint Abdullah II and a delegation of Jordanian civil and military officials. Field Marshal Munir and senior Pakistani officials received the royal guests. King Abdullah II was briefed on GIDS’ structure, capabilities and product range, showcasing Pakistan’s achievements in indigenous defence production, technological advancement and emerging opportunities for bilateral defence collaboration.
King Abdullah II is on a two-day visit to Pakistan, marking a significant step in reinforcing the historic ties of fraternity and strategic partnership between Pakistan and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.