KARACHI: Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir has highlighted the state’s responsibility to protect the country’s “digital borders” and ensure the “digital security” of its citizens.
Speaking to the business community in Karachi on Wednesday, General Munir expressed optimism about Pakistan’s economic future, reaffirming his belief in the country’s bright and stable prospects. He recalled his previous message to the business community, emphasizing that “hopelessness is forbidden.”
The COAS noted that the country’s economic indicators were improving, with further positive developments expected in the coming year. He pointed out that those who had predicted the country’s default were now silent. He called for accountability for individuals and groups who spread discouragement among the public.
“Nothing, including politics, is more important than our country, and we must prioritize the nation over personal interests,” said General Munir. He urged the public to consider the value of a stable state, referencing the struggles of countries like Libya, Iraq, and Palestine.
He called for a unified national effort to tackle the challenges facing Pakistan, emphasizing that only Pakistanis can bring about economic stability. General Munir also urged overseas Pakistanis to invest in their homeland and contribute to the country’s development and prosperity.
The army chief also condemned those engaged in illicit businesses, stating that they were fueling terrorism for ulterior motives.
Addressing a recent ceremony of the Margalla Dialogue 2024, organized by the Islamabad Policy Research Institute (IPRI), General Munir described “misleading and incorrect information” as a significant challenge. He warned that without comprehensive laws and regulations, such misinformation could continue to destabilize political and social structures.
Reflecting on global challenges, he noted the rising influence of violent non-state actors and state-sponsored terrorism as key issues, in addition to the rapid spread of false information. General Munir stressed the need for stricter regulations for social media platforms, arguing that unregulated freedom of speech was leading to the erosion of moral values in societies worldwide.
