Implementing Islam ultimate goal of Pakistan: Lt Gen GM Malik

ISLAMABAD: Lt Gen (R) Ghulam Muhammad Malik, popularly known as Lt-Gen GM Malik, the father of Lt-Gen Muhammad Asim Malik who will take charge as the new ISI director general on Monday, believes Pakistan was created in the name of Islam and its implementation will be the ultimate goal of the nation.

Speaking at the Rafah University project ceremony, he said the new generation should keep the basic fact in their minds that they cannot achieve real success without acting on the teachings of Islam. Referring to a story he read in a book, he said when the Muslims were defeating the Romans, an Arab Muslim asked a Roman what had happened to them. “Earlier, no one could compete with you, but now you are unable to face us.” He replied, “Nothing has happened to us. First you were only Arabs, but now you have united with God. We can compete with you, but not with your God.”

GM Malik said today’s Muslim could also regain that glory if they start acting on the teachings of Islam. He said what Holy Prophet (Peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) brought to humanity in the form of holy Quran would never change. “Only, we will have to change our lives to Allah’s commands,” he added. He suggested the younger generations in Pakistan should get religious education, along with the worldly education. Knowledge should not only be acquired but also be practised, and that should happen at every level, he added.

Lt-Gen (retd) Ghulam Muhammad Malik has had the honour of having fought in the Sept 1965 war against India. After retirement, he is heading a charity organisation for providing hospitals and medical facilities for the poor in different parts of Pakistan. He has served as commander of 11th Corps, commander of 12th Baloch Infantry Regiment, Pakistan Military Academy, DG Military Intelligence and Adjutant General Pakistan Army.