Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir issued a blunt and firm warning to India during his speech at the Pakistan Military Academy (PMA) Kakul’s passing-out parade, saying “Pakistan’s response to any future aggression will be far more devastating than India can imagine.” This warning highlights Pakistan’s readiness to confront any military aggression and comes at a time of mounting tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.
Munir’s statement underscores Pakistan’s confidence in its military capabilities, emphasising that India’s size will no longer shield it in a future conflict. “Our military is more than prepared, and any attack on Pakistan will be met with a response that will shatter expectations,” Munir declared with authority. He reassured the nation that Pakistan’s territory will remain untouched and no foreign power will be allowed to infringe upon the country’s sovereignty.
Field Marshal Munir also reaffirmed the unwavering bond between Pakistan’s armed forces and the people of the country, stating that with the support of its citizens and the guidance of Allah, Pakistan will remain resolute in the face of external threats. “Not an inch of our land will be compromised. We stand united, and our military will never allow Pakistan’s dignity to be violated,” he assured the cadets and the nation.
Afghanistan’s Role in Regional Security Concerns
While addressing the threat from India, the COAS also spoke about Pakistan’s concerns regarding Afghanistan’s role in regional security. He expressed deep concern that Afghan soil is still being used by militant groups to target Pakistan. The Field Marshal called on the Taliban regime to take more effective measures to prevent terrorism emanating from its territory, warning that Pakistan will take all necessary actions to protect its borders.
“We want peace with Afghanistan and good relations, but we will not allow our security to be compromised. If Afghanistan’s territory continues to be used by terrorists, we will respond firmly to protect our sovereignty,” Munir warned.
Accusations of Proxy Terrorism and State-Sponsored Aggression
Field Marshal Munir also made it clear that Pakistan will not tolerate any form of proxy terrorism from hostile forces. He addressed India’s longstanding involvement in fueling militancy in Pakistan, particularly in regions like Balochistan, and reaffirmed Pakistan’s position on this issue. Munir stated that Pakistan had provided substantial evidence to the international community regarding India’s involvement in cross-border terrorism, stressing that these efforts to destabilise Pakistan will fail.
“India has long attempted to use proxy warfare to create chaos in Pakistan, but we have shown the world the truth. We will never allow this to continue,” Munir said, adding that the Pakistan Army would respond decisively to any form of aggression.
Operation “Bunyan al-Marsoos”: Demonstrating Pakistan’s Military Prowess
One of the highlights of the speech was Field Marshal Munir’s praise for Operation Bunyan al-Marsoos, which he hailed as a success on multiple fronts, showcasing the Pakistan Army’s operational readiness, intelligence gathering, and technological capabilities. He pointed to the operation’s multidimensional strategy, including cyber and intelligence components, as key examples of how Pakistan’s armed forces are prepared to tackle modern threats.
Munir further emphasized that the Pakistan Army’s readiness is not limited to traditional warfare but extends into cyber operations and intelligence-gathering, ensuring a holistic defence against modern-day threats.
Kashmir and Palestine: Unwavering Support for Justice
Another key aspect of Munir’s speech focused on Pakistan’s stance on Kashmir and Palestine. He reiterated Pakistan’s support for the right of Kashmiris to self-determination and stressed that the Kashmir dispute should be resolved in accordance with UN resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.
Regarding Palestine, Munir condemned Israel’s ongoing violations of international law and reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering support for the Palestinian people’s struggle for freedom. “We stand with Palestine, and we will continue to advocate for a just solution, which should include a two-state resolution with Jerusalem as the capital of Palestine,” he said, emphasising Pakistan’s stance on international justice.
Pakistan’s Role in Global Diplomacy and Defence Alliances
The Field Marshal also highlighted Pakistan’s growing role as a regional stabiliser, particularly in the context of defence alliances. He spoke of Pakistan’s strategic partnerships with Saudi Arabia and China, and praised the country’s diplomatic efforts to foster peace in the region.
“Pakistan is a key player in regional stability, and our alliances with China and Saudi Arabia are a reflection of our growing international stature,” Munir stated, also noting that Pakistan’s relationship with the United States had improved and was moving towards mutual cooperation.
Unity Between Armed Forces and People
Throughout his speech, Munir emphasized the unity between Pakistan’s armed forces and its people, which he described as unbreakable. “The strength of Pakistan lies in the bond between our military and our citizens. Our forces are prepared to defend this land, and the people of Pakistan stand behind them, unwavering,” Munir declared, calling on the cadets to honour this unity.
He also addressed the young cadets, urging them to remain vigilant and equipped with critical thinking skills to navigate an era dominated by misinformation and fake news. “In today’s age of information warfare, the ability to discern truth from falsehood is more important than ever,” Munir added.
Tribute to Martyrs and Closing Remarks
As the speech drew to a close, Field Marshal Munir paid tribute to Pakistan’s martyrs, honouring their sacrifices in securing the country’s freedom. He recalled the vision of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, reminding the nation of its responsibility to protect Pakistan and build it into a prosperous and strong state.
“Today, as we see these young cadets marching toward their duties, we are reminded of the sacrifices of our martyrs. We must uphold their legacy and build a secure and prosperous Pakistan for future generations,” he concluded.
A Bright Future for Pakistan
Munir ended his speech by expressing confidence in Pakistan’s future, despite the challenges. “With our growing youth talent, resources, and national resolve, Pakistan’s future is brighter than ever. We will continue to rise as a global power and secure our place in the world,” he said, leaving the cadets with a final message of hope and determination.
