‘Ready to defend motherland at all costs,’ says Field Marshal

KARACHI: Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir on Saturday delivered a forceful address at the commissioning parade of the 123rd Midshipmen and 31st Short Service Commission course at the Pakistan Naval Academy, declaring that any challenge to Pakistan’s sovereignty “will be met with a decisive response”.

He said inspecting the marvellous passing out parade of maritime warfare was an “honour” for him, and praised the cadets’ discipline and commitment. “Their confident demeanour embodied the hopes and expectations of the nation.”

Addressing the midshipmen and cadets, Field Marshal Munir said,  “Your smart turnout, immaculate synchronization and spirited bearing in today’s parade is reflective of the highest standards of the PNS Rahbar, dedication of your mentors at the academy and selfless devotion of the midshipmen and gentlemen cadets to the call of training.”

He also congratulated the cadets from friendly countries like Türkiye, Bahrain, Iraq, Palestine and Djibouti from completing their training course and becoming “illustrious members of the prestigious Pakistan Naval Academy community.”

The Field Marshal urged the new officers to continue strengthening their operational capabilities, noting that Maritime warfare is emerging and adapting with the ever-changing character of warfare.

“The spectrum of maritime challenges makes it imperative for Pakistan to maintain a strong maritime force, an efficient navy which must be second to none, he stressed.

‘India’s aggression met with resolute response’

Referring to India, he said, “India tends to exploit its so-called strategic relevance, hubristic mindset and military capacitation for adventurism aimed at political gains.”

He reminded the audience that India had launched two unwarranted attacks against Pakistan under the pretext of counter-terrorism in recent years. “On both occasions, their recklessness was met with Pakistan’s resolute response which not only preserved national honour but also averted a dangerous broader regional escalation.”

Field Marshal Munir added that Pakistan, despite grave provocations, acted with restraint and maturity and demonstrated its commitment to regional peace and stability which has led to Pakistan’s role as net regional stabilizer.”

“However”, he made it clear that “the assumption that Pakistan would have any constraints in the face of any future violation of its sovereignty reflects a dangerous misleading of strategic fundamentals.”

No compromise on sovereignty and national interest

He warned that “as we steadily but surely build our comprehensive national power,” any threat to Pakistan’s sovereignty would lead to grave consequences and that Pakistan’s growing strength should not be underestimated.

“The onus of ensuing escalation, one that may ultimately bear catastrophic consequences for the entire region, will squarely lie with the aggressor. Pakistan will protect its sovereignty and core national interest decisively and without hesitation.”

‘National spirit further strengthens in adversity’

Recalling the events of the recent Pakistan-India war, he said, “the successes of multi-domain operations of Marka-e-Haq shall never recede from the Indian memory.”

The Field Marshal recited translation of verse 249 from Surah Al-Baqarah: “How many times it happened that a smaller force vanquished a bigger force by the will of Allah and Allah is with the steadfast.”

Emphasising that Pakistan’s resolve only grows stronger under pressure, he said: “Let it be known to all inimical forces who harbor nefarious designs against Pakistan. We are ever ready in our resolve to defend our motherland at all costs.”

COAS Asim Munir also condemned India’s efforts to destabilise the region, particularly at a time when Pakistan is close to defeating terrorism. “We will take our fight against terrorism to its logical conclusion and get rid of this menace in all its forms and manifestations,” he vowed.

‘We stand firm with Kashmiri brethren’

Turning to Kashmir, the army chief reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering support for the Kashmiri people.

“Inshallah on such occasions we can never miss to mention about the great sacrifices of our Kashmiri brethren in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir. We stand firm with the Kashmiri people for their right of self-determination for the resolution of the internationally recognized long-standing dispute in accordance with the United Nations Security Council resolutions and the aspirations of the people of Kashmir. What India tends to term as terrorism is in fact the legitimate struggle as per the international conventions.”

Condemning Indian atrocities in Kashmir, he said, “Those who endeavored to subdue the will of Kashmiri people and sought conflict elimination instead of resolution have made it more relevant and pronounced through their own actions.”

As Allah has said, he quoted verse 54 from Surah Aal-e-Imran, “And they planned and Allah planned and Allah is the best of the planners.”

He reminded the world that “without a just and peaceful resolution to the Kashmir issue, regional peace will forever remain elusive with perpetual danger of conflict in South Asia.”

Field Marshal Asim Munir concluded his speech by emphasising that Pakistan is continuously heading towards glory despite adversaries.

“While the enemies of Pakistan continue unabated efforts to stall our destined rise, our journey to glory continues. Pakistan is indeed on the path to progress and development with strategic consequences which can never be ignored. Take pride in the fact that your past is decorated with glorious traditions.”