General Syed Asim Munir, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), shall undoubtedly be etched into the annals of history as a Commander driven solely by the paramount interests of the motherland. Since assuming his esteemed role in November 2022, General Munir embarked on a journey marked by quiet yet resolute actions, earning widespread acclaim from the people of Pakistan as an unwavering guardian of the nation’s interests across all domains of existence.
Undoubtedly, the decisions and initiatives spearheaded by the Army Chief over the past year garnered immediate approval from the masses, owing to their sincerity of purpose and tangible impact on the lives of the people. However, two particular strategic moves, orchestrated by the Pakistan Government under the guidance of the Army Chief and with valuable input from the vigilant institution, have not only captured the attention of patriotic Pakistanis but also hold significant promise for elevating Pakistan’s stature on the global stage and addressing the nation’s core challenges. These strategic maneuvers have not only bolstered the morale of the populace but have also instilled confidence in the nation regarding the potential for accelerated socio-economic progress and development.
Pakistan found itself in a complex situation when Iran conducted airstrikes on alleged hideouts of the terrorist group ‘Jaish al-Adl’ in Balochistan, perceived by many as a breach of Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The unilateral nature of the attack, without utilizing available communication channels for resolution, elicited shockwaves throughout the country. Despite this, Pakistan refrained from a tit-for-tat response, recognizing the potential damage to bilateral relations with a traditionally fraternal neighbor.
However, Pakistan’s subsequent actions, just two days later, unequivocally demonstrated General AsimMunir’s unwavering commitment to Pakistan’s prestige, honor, sovereignty, and security. Alongside strong diplomatic measures such as recalling Pakistan’s ambassador from Tehran and advising the Iranian ambassador against returning to Islamabad, Pakistan delivered a resolute response by targeting Baloch armed groups’ hideouts in Iran’s Sistan-Balochistan province, resulting in nine casualties. While Foreign Office headed by experienced Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani must be credited for mature and deft handling of the crisis, the swift and decisive retaliation served as a clear warning that Pakistan considers its security and sovereignty non-negotiable, irrespective of the relationship with the involved party.
The military leadership, particularly General Munir, exhibited a lucid vision and decisive thinking throughout the crisis. During Iranian Foreign Minister Amir Abdollahian’s visit to Pakistan, General Munir emphasized the paramount importance of respecting each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, highlighting these as fundamental pillars of state-to-state relations. Simultaneously, he stressed the imperative of strengthening bilateral ties and fostering mutual understanding of each other’s concerns.
The presence of illegal foreigners, particularly a significant Afghan population, on Pakistani soil has long been a pressing concern for the nation, with implications spanning security, law enforcement, and socio-economic spheres. Despite persistent calls for their deportation, successive governments hesitated to take decisive action, often swayed by political considerations.
However, against the backdrop of a resurgence in terrorist incidents, with Afghan nationals implicated in several tragic events, the Army Chief demonstrated clear-sighted leadership by mobilizing the full weight of the institution to address the issue head-on.
While similar decisions have faltered in the past due to various factors, General Asim Munir’s steadfast resolve ensures the process is carried through to its logical conclusion. With over half a million Afghans already repatriated and others in the pipeline, ongoing efforts include legal and administrative measures to formalize cross-border movements and prevent re-entry. Despite opposition from vested interests, the decision’s faithful implementation has yielded salutary effects on both security and the economic landscape, underscoring its significance in safeguarding national interests.
Despite successful operations against various terrorist factions, Pakistan continues to face threats from residual terrorist elements, often supported by anti-Pakistan forces. In addition to Indian-backed terrorism, Afghan-based militant groups exacerbate security challenges, with the Taliban government’s conduct falling short of Pakistan’s expectations in terms of sincerity and maturity. Against this backdrop, Pakistan has unequivocally conveyed to Afghanistan that normalcy in bilateral relations hinges on concrete and verifiable actions against Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) elements sheltered within its borders. Simultaneously, a renewed intelligence-driven operation has been launched, leveraging the professional capabilities of the armed forces and security agencies to counter enemy’s design effectively.
General Munir’s unwavering commitment to peace and security has garnered widespread public approval, as evidenced by the tangible improvements in daily life resulting from these proactive measures. The recent vigilant response to a coordinated attack in Mach, Balochistan, further underscores the effectiveness of Pakistan’s security apparatus under his leadership.
The Pakistan Army has consistently played a pivotal role in safeguarding the nation’s interests, both in times of conflict and during periods of peace. Renowned for its professional excellence and vigilant stance, the Army has served as a formidable deterrent against external threats while also stepping up to the forefront during domestic crises such as floods, earthquakes, and the Covid-19 pandemic.
It is also a matter of satisfaction that the Army is extending fullest possible assistance to the caretaker Government and the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) in making the entire electoral exercise smooth, peaceful and transparent.
There can be no two opinions that the caretaker Prime Minister Anwar-ul-Haq Kakar and his cabinet colleagues constitute a merit-based team the policies and decisions of which are anchored in the best interests of the country. Under the dynamic leadership of General Asim Munir, the Army’s capabilities are being leveraged in unprecedented ways to combat various mafias that pose significant threats to the national economy. Through initiatives like the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), the Army is actively contributing to addressing economic challenges and providing vital support in countering activities such as smuggling of goods, currency, and gold.
These efforts have yielded tangible results, with visible successes in curbing inflationary trends and stabilizing exchange rates. The public’s relief is palpable as action against hoarders and smugglers begins to take effect, instilling confidence in the economy and fostering a sense of security among the populace.
At a macro level, the Army Chief’s involvement in the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) is complemented by his proactive efforts to forge robust economic partnerships, particularly with friendly Gulf States. These initiatives are instilling much-needed confidence within the business community, with the Army Chief urging its members to play an active role in advancing national progress and development during various briefing sessions.
General Asim Munir, who has a deep understanding of Islamic principles, makes conscientious endeavors to inspire a renewed sense of purpose among the youth. Through various platforms, he consistently advocates for national unity and warns against the perils of succumbing to negativity propagated through social media, earning widespread appreciation from the people of Pakistan.
General Syed Asim Munir and his team are diligently striving to steer Pakistan towards a path of sustained progress, prosperity, and stability. With unwavering cooperation from the nation, I am confident they will succeed in their noble mission.
