National Interests
KARACHI: Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir delivered a resolute and wide-ranging address on Saturday during the commissioning parade of the 123rd Midshipman and 31st Short Service Commission Course at the Pakistan Naval Academy.
In his remarks, he strongly reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to defending its sovereignty and national interests amid growing regional challenges.
“It is a great honour for me to review this magnificent passing-out parade of our maritime warriors,” Field Marshal Munir said, commending the discipline, confidence, and professionalism displayed by the graduating cadets.
He highlighted the exceptional standards maintained by the Pakistan Naval Academy and congratulated not only Pakistani cadets but also those from allied nations, including Turkey, Bahrain, Iraq, Palestine, and Djibouti.
Addressing the newly commissioned naval officers, he urged them to uphold the Navy’s traditions of excellence and military ethics. “As you enter the Pakistan Navy, remember that it is a force distinguished by unmatched professionalism and operational readiness. Strive constantly to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving maritime security landscape,” he emphasized.
Field Marshal Munir warned of India’s increasingly aggressive regional posture, calling it a threat to regional peace. “India’s arrogance and militaristic nationalism are destabilizing forces in South Asia. Their leadership seeks political gains by projecting military strength and making false claims of superiority,” he said.
He recalled two past unprovoked Indian attacks against Pakistan, which were met with restraint but firm responses. “Despite provocations, Pakistan acted responsibly and averted escalation. However, let there be no confusion — any future violation of our sovereignty will invite a decisive and forceful response. The consequences will be borne solely by the aggressor.”
Reiterating Pakistan’s identity as a “net regional stabilizer,” the army chief said the nation has only grown stronger through every test it has faced. “Our resilience, forged through adversity, is now our greatest strength. Pakistan is steadfast in its commitment to regional stability and its own strategic interests.”
He also stressed Pakistan’s ongoing progress in the war against terrorism and reaffirmed support for the people of Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. “The Kashmiri struggle, wrongfully branded as terrorism by India, is in fact a lawful freedom movement in line with international law. Until the Kashmir dispute is resolved fairly and in accordance with UN resolutions, lasting peace in South Asia will remain out of reach.”
Citing verses from the Quran, Field Marshal Munir invoked divine justice and Pakistan’s enduring belief in the legitimacy of the Kashmiri cause. He paid tribute to the martyrs of the freedom movement and vowed continued political, diplomatic, and moral support for the Kashmiri people.
Concluding his address, the COAS said: “Despite hostile efforts to derail our progress, Pakistan is marching steadily toward a brighter, more secure future. No adversary can hold back our journey of national development and sovereignty.”
His remarks come at a time of heightened regional tensions, with renewed emphasis on both conventional and hybrid threats to Pakistan’s national security. His speech served as both a message of internal unity and an external warning to any actor seeking to undermine the country’s independence and strategic stability.
