As Pakistanis, we must serve, sacrifice, and, if necessary, lay down our lives: Field Marshal Asim Munir

ISLAMABAD: Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir inspected and addressed the passing-out parade at the Pakistan Military Academy (PMA) in Kakul on Saturday, calling it a “great honour and source of pride.”

Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering and principled stance on the two-state solution to the Palestine conflict, stressing the necessity of an independent, sovereign and viable Palestinian state with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital, based on the pre-1967 borders.

He said Pakistan’s diplomatic, economic and military strengths would, God willing, continue to propel the nation toward greater progress and prosperity. “Our journey is not yet complete,” he noted. “The enemy remains restless, but our resolve and courage are as firm and unshakable as ever.”

Reaffirming the armed forces’ commitment, he declared, “We, the men and women in uniform, will always stand ready to serve Pakistan’s people, protect its ideological and geographical frontiers, and contribute to its development and prosperity.”

Quoting from Surah As-Saff (Verse 4) of the Holy Quran, the Field Marshal said, “Indeed, Allah loves those who fight in His cause in ranks as though they are a solid structure.” He also recalled Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s address of January 1948, reminding the cadets: “We are all Pakistanis and citizens of this state. We must serve, sacrifice, and, if necessary, lay down our lives to make Pakistan the greatest and most independent state in the world.”

“Victory,” he said, “comes not through rhetoric but through training, character, and steadfastness in the face of adversity.” He urged the cadets to uphold professional excellence, discipline and moral leadership as the hallmarks of their character.

Reflecting on the modern post-truth era, he cautioned that “perceptions often outweigh reality, and half-truths spread faster than facts.” He warned against becoming victims of ‘information disorder’ driven by fake news and misinformation. He also thanked US President Donald Trump for his role in the ceasefire of India and Pakistan alongside many other regions with most recent being the end of war in Gaza.

“Pakistan’s flag, God willing, will always fly high — for the strength of this nation lies in its people, who never fail,” he declared. The Army Chief ended his speech by congratulating the graduating cadets once again and praying, “May Allah be our protector and guide. Ameen.”

In his address, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) congratulated the graduating cadets for successfully completing their military training. He also extended felicitations to cadets from friendly countries including Bangladesh, Iraq, Mali, Maldives, Nigeria, Nepal, Palestine, Qatar, Sri Lanka and Yemen, who completed their training at the prestigious institution.

“Since the creation of Pakistan, the Armed Forces, fully backed by the nation, have spared no effort in safeguarding the country from external and internal threats,” the Army Chief stated.

Referring to the recent Operation Ma’raka-e-Haq (Bunyan Marsous), he said the Pakistan Armed Forces had once again demonstrated professional excellence and unwavering resolve, defeating the enemy and strengthening the nation’s confidence in its defenders.

Highlighting the forces’ operational achievements, Field Marshal Munir noted that during engagements with the country’s “perpetual adversary,” the Pakistan military had acted with exceptional professionalism, successfully downing Rafale fighter jets.

He reiterated that Pakistan’s armed forces remain committed to the defence and security of the nation, upholding the highest traditions of courage, discipline and sacrifice.

Field Marshal Munir said that Pakistan had demonstrated its full spectrum and multi-domain warfare capabilities by targeting multiple enemy bases, including advanced S-400 air defence systems, during recent operations.

“With the grace of Allah and the collective resolve of our nation, we stood united as one — like a wall of steel — against the enemy,” he stated, adding that Pakistan once again triumphed over an adversary “blinded by the arrogance of its misguided sense of supremacy.”

The Army Chief criticised India for its “reckless accusations and refusal to allow impartial investigations,” saying that New Delhi’s “fabricated evidence” revealed how its ruling party had politicised terrorism to advance its own malicious objectives.

He emphasised that Pakistan’s clear victory against a numerically superior enemy had not only earned the admiration of its own citizens but also enhanced the country’s standing in the international community.

Field Marshal Munir noted that recent events had strengthened young Pakistanis’ confidence in the armed forces as “a fundamental pillar of national power.”

“I assure the nation,” he declared, “that, God willing, not an inch of our sacred land will ever be surrendered to the enemy.”

Paying tribute to the resilience of the people, he said, “I salute the courage of every Pakistani, our soldiers, sailors, airmen, brave men and women, children and elders, who have sacrificed in these testing times.” He also extended his gratitude to the nation’s heroes and veterans who defended the motherland, as well as to the country’s leadership, bureaucracy, scholars, scientists, media, and education sector, all of whom, he said, “deserve the nation’s deepest respect and appreciation.”

“I am profoundly grateful and forever indebted to our martyrs and their families; it is their sacrifices that allow us to live in freedom today,” COAS Munir said, paying tribute to those who laid down their lives for the nation.

Addressing the cadets, he urged, “You are the heirs of these martyrs — live your lives in a manner worthy of their memory.” He added that they should take pride in joining “one of the world’s great and honourable armies,” a force unequalled in its dedication and professionalism.

Field Marshal Munir warned that the enemy remains intent on sowing division between the people and the armed forces to further its malign objectives. He reiterated Pakistan’s defence doctrine, based on credible deterrence and perpetual readiness, encompassing capabilities across all domains.

He highlighted that a professional army, battle-tested in sub-conventional warfare for two decades, has now proven its mettle in conventional theatres as well, delivering decisive responses and demonstrating its full operational capability. “If aggression is attempted again, Pakistan will respond far more harshly than the enemy expects,” he declared.

Describing the strategic realities of modern conflict, he cautioned that weapons with longer reach would render any illusion of geographic protection meaningless, and the military and economic losses inflicted on an aggressor would far exceed their expectations. He warned the Indian military leadership bluntly that there is no space for war between nuclear-armed neighbours.

Field Marshal Munir called on India to resolve core disputes with Pakistan on the basis of equality and mutual respect in accordance with international norms. He warned that any further escalation, which could have catastrophic consequences for the region and beyond, would be India’s responsibility alone.

Observing wider geopolitical trends, he said the world is witnessing a clear shift away from using violence for narrow political ends, and noted that Pakistan has emerged as a net regional stabiliser. Pakistan’s ties with major powers, and particularly with fellow Muslim countries, have grown stronger, he added.

He affirmed Pakistan’s continued contribution to global peace and stability, noting that the country’s armed forces participate in United Nations peacekeeping missions in significant numbers, further reflecting their commitment to international security.

Concluding his address, Field Marshal Munir said his message carried a broader assurance: “Given Pakistan’s growing capabilities and stature, we must face every challenge with courage and conviction. It is our duty to steer our country toward its rightful destiny.”