Do not let political differences turn into hatred: army chief

ISLAMABAD: Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Gen Syed Asim Munir has called for brotherhood, harmony, tolerance, and respect for minority rights, urging people to rise above religious intolerance. He emphasised that political differences of opinion should not be allowed to turn into hatred.

Addressing the main ceremony on Defence and Martyrs Day at GHQ Rawalpindi, he began his speech by expressing gartitude to the prime minister of Pakistan, the prime minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, the chief ministers of the four provinces, and the families of the martyrs who laid down their lives for the country.

He noted that the Pakistani nation, alongside the Pakistan Army, has valiantly faced trials and challenges. He acknowledged the sacrifices made by the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in the fight against terrorism, recognising their significant contribution.

During his speech, the army chief referred to a Quranic verse emphasising that martyrs should not be considered dead. He remarked that the Pakistani nation is resilient and courageous, continuing to make sacrifices in the long war against terrorism, a struggle that will persist until terrorism is fully eradicated, God willing.

General Munir highlighted the unparalleled sacrifices of Pakistan’s armed forces, law enforcement agencies, and the brave people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.

While paying tribute to the martyrs, he recited verse from the Holy Quran, which states, “And those who were martyred in the way of Allah, do not consider them dead; they are alive, finding sustenance with their Lord.”

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He went on to emphasize the state’s achievements, including the united stance against Fitnah-ul-Khawarij, the implementation of the Paigam-e-Pakistan initiative, the formal management of western borders, the incorporation of tribal areas into Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and the economic and social development efforts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.

These accomplishments, he said, are the result of the sacrifices and determination of the martyrs and veterans.

The army chief reiterated the strong bond between the Pakistan Army and the people, describing it as a “bond of the heart” that guarantees the defeat of Pakistan’s enemies. He expressed confidence that, through unity and shared resolve, the nation will thwart any attempts to undermine national cohesion.

He warned that those who cause strife in the land, supported by foreign powers, would find themselves cornered, saying, “The land will become narrow for those who sow discord, as will those who defend their actions and justify their crimes.”

General Munir described recent terrorist activities as part of a conspiracy to destabilize Pakistan but assured that, just as the nation and the army united to defeat them in the past, they would do so again.

He added that Pakistan would follow the collective wisdom of the nation, the National Action Plan, and the guidance of the Quran in confronting and eliminating this menace. He expressed his confidence in the Pakistani people’s continued support for the army and its defense of the country.

He stressed that being Pakistani is an identity that binds the nation together, transcending religious differences. He called for safeguarding the rights of minorities as outlined in the Constitution and not allowing political differences to escalate into hatred.

Highlighting Pakistan’s natural resources, he noted that the country’s greatest asset is its people, particularly its youth, whose role is vital to the nation’s integrity and progress.

Turning to regional issues, General Munir said that India’s illegal occupation of Jammu and Kashmir is not just a national issue but also a regional and global concern. He saluted the Kashmiri people’s freedom struggle and reaffirmed that lasting peace in South Asia depends on resolving the Kashmir issue. The Pakistani nation, he added, honors the martyrs of occupied Kashmir.

He also raised the issue of Palestine, calling it a grave humanitarian crisis. He condemned Israeli aggression and exploitation of the Palestinians, stating that such actions are clear violations of international law. The army chief pledged that Pakistan would remain actively engaged in efforts to end these injustices.

General Munir paid tribute to the martyrs of all law enforcement agencies, including the Pakistan Army, police, and Levies, stating that their sacrifices have allowed the country to enjoy freedom today. He emphasized that martyrs are Pakistan’s pride and their families are its responsibility, adding, “No power in the world can defeat the Pakistani nation.”

He also acknowledged the contributions of the war-wounded and veterans of the Pakistan Army and law enforcement agencies, who have served as an unyielding shield against the country’s enemies.

In conclusion, the army chief expressed his gratitude to the Prime Minister of Pakistan, the Prime Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, federal and provincial ministers, and all the distinguished guests for attending the ceremony and soldiers, Ghazis, and the families of martyrs.