Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir has vowed that Operation Azm-e-Istehkam will not result in the displacement of any populations. Addressing the nation on Pakistan Defense and Martyrs Day, General Munir paid tribute to the brave martyrs and ghazis who sacrificed their lives for the country and prayed for their eternal peace.
In his speech, General Munir stressed that Pakistan’s commitment to stability is intertwined with the National Action Plan. He clarified that Operation Azm-e-Istehkam is not a new military initiative but a continuation of existing efforts to maintain order.
The COAS condemned recent terrorist activities as desperate measures by certain elements to undermine the state. He assured that those who support and justify terrorism will face increasing pressure and scrutiny.
General Munir also issued a stern warning to external powers, asserting that Pakistan is fully aware of their malicious intentions and will not allow them to succeed. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s resolve to counter any attempts to incite violence and unrest, ensuring that such forces will find no sanctuary within the country.
Quoting verse 169 of Surah Aal Imran, “And do not think of those who were killed in the way of Allah as dead; rather, they are alive with their Lord, receiving sustenance,” the Army Chief emphasized the importance of national unity in the face of internal and external threats.
He celebrated key achievements such as the integration of tribal areas into Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the formal management of western borders, and ongoing development efforts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. General Munir praised the strong bond between the Pakistan Armed Forces and the people, describing it as a “bond of the heart” that will ensure the defeat of the nation’s enemies.
The Army Chief condemned those who incite violence and disorder, emphasizing that Pakistan will remain inhospitable to such elements. He reaffirmed the Pakistan Army’s dedication to defending the nation’s integrity and ensuring that no force, whether internal or external, can weaken the country’s unity.
General Munir expressed confidence in Pakistan’s future, calling for brotherhood, harmony, and tolerance. He urged the nation to rise above religious intolerance and to respect the rights of minorities as enshrined in the Constitution. He emphasized that political differences should remain peaceful and not devolve into hatred.
Highlighting Pakistan’s vast natural resources and strategic importance, General Munir pointed out that the country’s true strength lies in its people, especially the youth. He stressed the critical role of the younger generation in securing the country’s integrity and driving future development. The COAS also honored the freedom struggle of the Kashmiri people, condemned India’s illegal occupation of Jammu and Kashmir, and expressed solidarity with the martyrs of Occupied Kashmir. He also condemned Israeli aggression against the Palestinian people as a violation of international laws and human rights.
