Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir has cautioned against allowing political differences to turn into hatred, urging the public to embrace the guiding principles of Pakistan’s founder, Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.
“Political differences should not turn into animosity. The Quaid’s principles—faith, unity, and discipline—should guide us,” General Munir emphasized during his address at a ceremony in Rawalpindi on Friday. The event marked Defence and Martyrs Day, honoring the sacrifices of soldiers during the 1965 war with India.
Attendees included top military leaders, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the Azad Jammu and Kashmir prime minister, senior officials, and families of the fallen soldiers.
General Munir reaffirmed the readiness of Pakistan’s armed forces and citizens to defend the nation against external threats, particularly those linked to terrorism. “The people and armed forces of Pakistan will not let malicious agendas succeed,” he warned.
He expressed optimism about Pakistan’s future, underscoring that patriotism is tied to unity and solidarity. “In social matters, we must exhibit fraternity, harmony, tolerance, and patience,” he said, also highlighting the importance of protecting minority rights as outlined in the Constitution, beyond religious differences.
General Munir praised Pakistan’s natural resources and emphasized that its true strength lies in its people, particularly the youth, who play a vital role in the country’s integrity and progress.
Addressing the Kashmir issue, he declared India’s illegal occupation not just a challenge for Pakistan but a concern for the entire region and the world. He honored the Kashmiri people’s struggle for freedom and stated that sustainable peace in South Asia depends on resolving the Kashmir dispute.
The army chief also raised the Palestinian issue, condemning Israeli aggression and the mistreatment of Palestinians as gross violations of human rights and international law. He affirmed Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the end of Palestinian suffering.
Paying tribute to Pakistan’s martyrs, General Munir said, “Our martyrs are our identity, and their families are a source of national pride.” He expressed confidence in the resilience of the Pakistani people, asserting that “no power in the world can defeat them.”
He also praised the wounded soldiers and veterans of the Pakistan Armed Forces and law enforcement agencies, acknowledging their role in safeguarding national security as a “formidable shield” against the country’s enemies.
Thanks to the sacrifices of martyrs and veterans, General Munir declared, Pakistan’s defense remains invincible.
He reiterated the importance of ‘Operation Azm-i-Istehkam’ as part of the National Action Plan and called for unity against forces sowing discord and uncertainty within the nation. He assured that attempts to weaken national unity would not succeed and warned that those instigating chaos under foreign influence, as well as their defenders, would face continued challenges.
