In a historic address at the Defence and Martyrs Day ceremony, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir paid tribute to the martyrs of Pakistan and prayed for the elevation of their ranks, stating that the sacred blood of the martyrs had nourished the soil of the homeland.
In a resolute statement, the army chief declared, “The Pakistan Army and the people of Pakistan know how to defend their sovereignty and will never allow malicious intentions to succeed.” He further emphasised that complete faith in Pakistan’s bright future is an inseparable part of the country’s national identity.
The army chief expressed his deep admiration for the unwavering spirit of the Pakistani nation, which stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the armed forces and law enforcement agencies to confront and resist the forces of evil. “The people of Pakistan are a resilient and brave nation,” he remarked.
Reflecting on Pakistan’s long battle against terrorism, General Munir acknowledged the continuing sacrifices being made in this struggle, vowing, “InshaAllah, the sacrifices will continue until the terrorists are eradicated,” he stated.
He specifically honoured the immense sacrifices made by the Pakistan Army, law enforcement agencies, and the brave people of Pakistan, particularly those from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) and Balochistan. He cited the unmatched courage and resilience these regions showed in the fight against terrorism.
General Munir highlighted several key national successes, including the unified stance against the extremist ideology of Khawarij, the Paigham-e-Pakistan initiative, effective management of the western borders, the merger of tribal areas into the province, and the economic and social development initiatives in K-P and Balochistan.
He credited these achievements to the resolve of the state and the sacrifices of Pakistan’s martyrs and veterans.
General Munir paid heartfelt tribute to the martyrs of Pakistan, stating, “We breathe in free air today because of the sacrifices of these martyrs.” He emphasised that the martyrs are the identity of the nation, and their families are a source of pride for the country. The army chief assured the nation that no force in the world could defeat the people of Pakistan.
In addition to honouring the martyrs, General Munir also recognised the immense bravery of the individuals wounded in battle and the veterans who served as a shield against enemies of the state.
“The sacrifices of our martyrs and Ghazis will ensure that the defence of the nation remains invincible,” he stated confidently.
The army chief expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the prime minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, federal and provincial ministers, and all distinguished guests who attended the ceremony.
Their presence, he said, uplifted the spirits of the officers, soldiers, veterans, and families of martyrs. “I am grateful to all who joined this solemn occasion and stood by the side of our brave forces and their families,” he added.
General Munir urged the nation to embrace unity and solidarity, stating, “We must demonstrate brotherhood, harmony, tolerance, and patience in societal and social affairs.”
He called for an end to religious intolerance and stressed the importance of fully safeguarding the rights of minorities, as enshrined in the Constitution of Pakistan.
Addressing the situation in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, General Munir described it as not just a national issue but one of regional and global significance.
He paid tribute to the Kashmiri people for their ongoing struggle for independence, saluting their resilience. “Sustainable peace in South Asia is tied to the resolution of the Kashmir issue,” he added. He also expressed Pakistan’s gratitude to the martyrs of Kashmir, who have laid down their lives for their cause.
Shifting focus to international affairs, the army chief described the ongoing conflict in Palestine as a significant humanitarian issue, condemning Israeli aggression and exploitation of Palestinians as violations of human rights and international law.
He assured that Pakistan would remain active on the diplomatic front, advocating for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and an end to the brutalities faced by Palestinians.
The COAS concluded his address by reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to national unity, religious tolerance, and the protection of the country’s sovereignty while emphasising that the nation’s path forward is grounded in the principles of faith, unity, and discipline.
