‘State responsible for safeguarding digital borders of Pakistan, digital security of people’: Where are doom merchants who talked of default, says COAS

RAWALPINDI: Emphasizing that Pakistan’s interests should be preferred to personal interests, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir Wednesday said nothing, including politics, was supreme to the country.

“Remember! Our only identity is Pakistan and we prefer Pakistan’s interests to ours,” he said while addressing the business community in Karachi. He said the state was like a mother and its value must be asked from the people of Iraq, Libya and Palestine.

The COAS said he had complete belief in a bright and stable Pakistan, as the clouds of disappointment which were hovering over the country a year ago had now been removed.

“I have already stated that in the last interaction that disappointment is forbidden for Muslims. Today, all economic indicators are positive and there would be further improvement next year.”

He asked where the people who were talking about default and were spreading disappointment were. “Bring your money to Pakistan. People will earn while the country will also make progress,” he said.

He also maintained that only a Pakistani could bail out Pakistan’s economy. He also observed that illegal business backed by particular elements supported terrorism adding that it was the state’s responsibility to safeguard the digital boundaries of Pakistan and digital security of its people.

Meanwhile, General Asim Munir Wednesday visited the International Defence Exhibition and Seminar (IDEAS-2024) at the Karachi Expo Centre.

During the visit, the COAS commended the active participation of defence manufacturers from friendly nations and observed an impressive display of arms and equipment by both domestic and international exhibitors.

A total of 557 exhibitors are participating in the exhibition of which 333 are international exhibitors, while 224 are domestic exhibitors. Thirty-six countries established exhibitor stalls. 17 countries are participating for the first time. Over 300 foreign delegates from 53 countries attended the event and showed full confidence in the exhibition and the defence industry of Pakistan.

During the exhibition, the COAS also engaged in meaningful interactions with the foreign military officials and defence delegates present at the event.

A significant highlight of the occasion was the inauguration of Shahpar-III, a state-of-the-art combat Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) developed by Global Industrial Defence Solutions (GIDS) Pakistan. The Shahpar-III boasts advanced capabilities, including an operational ceiling of 35,000 feet and an endurance of over 24 hours. It is equipped to carry a wide range of munitions, including bombs, missiles, and torpedoes.

The 12th Edition of IDEAS 2024 commenced on November 19 and will culminate on November 22. Earlier, upon his arrival at Karachi, the COAS was warmly received by Lieutenant General Babar Iftikhar, Corps Commander, Karachi.