During the Azadi Parade at the Pakistan Military Academy (PMA) in Kakul on the eve of the 78th Independence Day, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir declared that weakening the armed forces is akin to weakening the nation. He affirmed the military’s commitment to ensuring that the sacrifices of its martyrs are not in vain.
“We emerge as a strong nation after trials and tribulations. To weaken Pakistan’s armed forces is tantamount to weakening the country itself,” General Munir stated during his address.
The parade, a hallmark of the Independence Day celebrations, underscored the armed forces’ dedication. General Munir emphasized that the nation’s unwavering trust in the army is the military’s most significant asset, a bond of trust and affection that no negative force has ever been able to weaken, and neither will it in the future.
Highlighting the role of mutual trust between the nation and the military in overcoming challenges, General Munir remarked, “Historically, we as a nation have always emerged stronger after every hardship.”
He also expressed concerns about internal conflicts and chaos that weaken the nation and pave the way for external aggression. “Pakistan was established to stand out among nations. It is a fait accompli and cannot be undone,” he asserted, stressing that Pakistanis live freely due to the martyrs’ sacrifices.
General Munir reiterated the foundational importance of the two-nation theory to Pakistan’s national consciousness, providing Muslims of the subcontinent with a distinct identity, culture, and civilization. He prayed for strength and courage to defend and elevate the nation as a model for future generations.
Addressing the resurgence of terrorism in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, he labelled the activities of “fitna-ul-Khawarij” as a significant threat. Recently, the government redefined the outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) as “Fitna al-Khawarij,” shifting the focus from physical to ideological fronts against terror. “If you do not follow the Sharia and the Constitution of Pakistan, then we also do not consider you as Pakistani,” General Munir previously stated, underlining the ideological battle lines.
Praising the people’s resilience in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, he concluded, “The entire nation salutes them and is indebted to their sacrifices.”
As the chief guest at the ceremony, General Munir watched the PMA cadets’ skilled drill parade, which also paid special tribute to the nation’s martyrs.
