Military ‘well aware’ of constitutional limits, expects adherence from others: army chief

RISALPUR: The Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir stated that the military was “well aware” of its constitutional limitations, adhered to its boundaries and expected others to respect them as well on Thursday.

The army chief was speaking at the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) passing-out parade in Risalpur on Thursday.

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He brought the article 19 of the country’s constitution that delineates the limits of freedom of speech and expression. The army chief stated that those who contravene these restrictions cannot criticise others.

The general also highlighted the role of cadets in safeguarding national interests. He urged them to embody virtues of “character, courage, and competence”.

The army chief praised the air force’s commitment to national defense. He talked about the critical role a strong air force plays in maintaining regional stability of a country.

Gen Munir praised the PAF’s professionalism and bravery. He cited the air force’s vigilance in patrolling airspace, including the notable interception of Indian aircraft in February 2019.

The army chief urged cadets to uphold the country’s values and “legacy” by bringing up examples of past heroes who sacrificed for the country.

The army chief also talked about technological advancements, including the impact of artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, and quantum computing on air power. He warned against an arms race upsetting regional balance and talked about the importance of a robust defense capability.

The general also lamented the human toll of warfare while talking about the ongoing Israeli bombardment and atrocities in Gaza.

On the issue of India-occupied Kashmir, the COAS reaffirmed Pakistan’s stance against India’s illegal occupation and condemned international silence on Indian aggression. He declared support for the Kashmir cause as Pakistan’s “moral”, “political”, and “diplomatic” responsibility.

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The army chief stated that Pakistan was commitment to development and prosperity. He said the country should be “immune” against negative propaganda and social media misinformation. He urged national unity in overcoming challenges to Pakistan’s progress and warned against “destabilising influences”.

The PAF passing-out parade marked the culmination of various cadet courses, with the army chief and Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu in attendance. The ceremony recognised and celebrated the achievements of graduating cadets.