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Monday April 29, 2024

Enemies 'hell-bent' upon driving wedge between people, armed forces: Gen Asim Munir

"Nothing is more sacred than security of our people and no duty is more binding than defence of our motherland," COAS says

By Zarmeen Zehra
April 29, 2023

KAKUL: Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir on Saturday called out the enemies of Pakistan, saying they were "hell-bent" upon driving a wedge between people and the armed forces.

Gen Munir, addressing the passing out parade at Pakistan Military Academy (PMA) in Kakul today, said that significant effort is being made by the adversaries to affect state and societal cohesion through multiple efforts.

“There is a dire need to identify the exposed and hidden enemies. In this regard, there must be a difference between reality and deception," he emphasised, adding that they will ensure that the bond between armed forces and people of Pakistan is preserved and further solidified.”

The army chief reiterated the armed forces' commitment to the country’s safety.

In his first speech at the PMA as the COAS, he said that the people of Pakistan are central to the unity of the state and added that the first and foremost is loyalty to the state of Pakistan and commitment to the Constitutional role assigned to the armed forces of Pakistan.

"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,” he told the cadets.

He said: "The army imbibes the vision of our great Quaid signifying no distinction of caste, colour, creed, gender or geography."

Gen Munir — who took charge as the army chief in November last year — noted that Pakistan’s efforts for peace should never be taken as a sign of weakness.

“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,” he told the passing out cadets and other people present during the ceremony.

He said that the brave soldiers of Pakistan don’t get fascinated with the numbers and resources of their adversaries.

The 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.

'Absolutely no space for spoilers'

Vowing to rid the country of terrorism, COAS Gen Munir said: “There is absolutely no space for spoilers of our hard-earned peace”.

He reiterated that the armed forces will never shy away from any sacrifice to stabilise, secure, and safeguard the future of the next generations.

Highlighting the importance of peace on western borders, the COAS said that the stability, security and peace in Afghanistan are fundamental to Pakistan’s security.

Gen Munir, assuring the Kashmiri brothers of the country’s steadfast support, said that Pakistan firmly stands with its Kashmiri brethren in their historic struggle for basic human rights and their legitimate quest for the right to self-determination.

“We will continue to provide political, moral and diplomatic support to our Kashmiri brothers.”

He asked the international community to realise, that without a just and peaceful resolution to the Kashmir issue, regional peace will forever remain elusive.