Pakistan will never accept Indian hegemony: COAS

ISLAMABAD: Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and Field Marshal General Syed Asim Munir, emphasising the need for strong coordination between the public, government, and armed forces, said Pakistan has never accepted India’s dominance and never will.

“We send a clear message to India that Pakistan neither accepted nor will accept Indian hegemony,” he asserted while addressing officers of the 52nd Common Training Program on Friday.

Gen Munir said all state institutions demonstrated exemplary coordination during what he called the “Battle of Truth,” referring to Pakistan’s military response to recent Indian aggression.

 “Pakistan gave a fitting reply to India’s baseless hostilities. Allah helped us in this just cause because we were on the right path,” he said.

Gen Munir labelled terrorism as India’s internal issue, rooted in its oppressive treatment of minorities, especially Muslims. “India is the biggest sponsor of terrorism in the region,” he added.

On Afghanistan, Gen Munir said Pakistan wants good relations with its neighbour but urged Kabul not to provide space to “India-backed terrorist proxies like Fitna-e-Hindustan and Fitna-e-Khawarij.”

He highlighted the pivotal role of Pakistan’s administration and civil bureaucracy in ensuring harmony among state institutions. “This responsibility rests heavily on your shoulders,” he told the civil servants-in-training.

Civil servants must ensure inter-institutional harmony: Field Marshal Asim Munir

He urged officers to prioritise a collective Pakistani identity over ethnic or regional affiliations. “Every system has flaws, but your job is to prevent negative elements from overpowering it,” he advised.

“Those who forget their history have a dark future,” he warned, urging officers to understand Pakistan’s journey and pass it on to future generations.

Concluding his speech, Gen Munir stressed that love and loyalty for the country are fundamental. “Develop courage, competence, and character, but if you must choose one, always choose character,” he said.