IN the face of reckless posturing by New Delhi, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir has declared in categorical terms that Pakistan will not accept Indian hegemony in the South Asian region and underscored Islamabad’s resolve on key disputes including Jammu and Kashmir and trans-boundary water sharing.
His remarks came during a wide-ranging interaction with vice chancellors, academics and senior faculty members, where he spoke about the crucial role of educators in shaping the country’s future generations but his address centred on Pakistan’s unwavering stance on Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) and growing concerns over India’s regional policies.
As Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is hurling threats of stopping Pakistan’s share of water under the Indus Water Treaty (IWT), the Army Chief warned that water is a redline of Pakistan and we will not allow any compromise on this basic right of 240 million people.
The pronouncements of the Field Marshal are not surprising as Syed Asim Munir is known for clarity of thoughts as far as the national interests, sovereignty and dignity of the nation is concerned and this became crystal clear by the response Pakistan gave to unprovoked aggression by India.
New Delhi mounted an attack on Pakistan on the pretext of the Pahalgam incident ignoring sincere offers made by Pakistani leadership to extend cooperation in a neutral international probe of the allegations.
Imposition of a war on Pakistan was, in fact, motivated by India’s long-standing desire to become policeman of the region and Pakistan is considered as the only hurdle in the way of realization of this dream.
Indian leadership continues to hurl threats on Pakistan despite humiliating defeat their country received in the short war and therefore, it is but natural Pakistan remains fully alert and prepared to respond in kind in case of another mischief.
Therefore, the remarks of the Army Chief are reflective of the national consensus in Pakistan to defend security, sovereignty and economic interests of the country at all costs.
As pointed out by Field Marshal Munir Marka-e-Haq is clear evidence that when a nation unites and stands like an iron wall, no power in the world can bring it down.
It is on record that India took a series of unilateral steps in a bid to strengthen its illegal occupation of Jammu and Kashmir including the move in 2019 to strip the region of its autonomous status through a constitutional amendment.
However, Indian gambit has backfired as there is now renewed international focus on the core dispute between the two countries that threatens regional security and stability.
Much to the chagrin of New Delhi, almost all countries of the globe are now emphasizing the need for resolution of the conflict through peaceful means and are also offering their good offices for the purpose.
The allegations of terrorism are aimed at pressuring Pakistan from extending its moral, political and diplomatic support for the legitimate cause of the Kashmiri people but the Field Marshal has minced no words in telling India that Kashmir remains a core national issue for Pakistan and cannot be side-lined.
Syed Asim Munir left no ambiguity on the country’s principled stand on the Kashmir dispute by declaring that Pakistan will never abandon Kashmir.
This clearly means that as for Pakistan, this issue will remain on top of the agenda in any future talks with India.
Similarly, his stand on the water issue also reflects the national resolve to defend water rights as Islamabad has already warned that any attempt by India to divert or obstruct Pakistan’s share of water would be treated as “an act of war,” with a commitment to employ all elements of national power in response.
While adopting a firm position on India’s threats of stopping Pakistan’s share of water, it is all the more necessary that practical measures are initiated to ensure optimum utilization of the water including fast-track construction of water reservoirs.
Apart from pursuing coercive policies on Kashmir and water, India is also sponsoring terrorism and sabotage as part of the strategy to destabilize Pakistan and harm its economic interests and march on the road to progress and prosperity.
This is evident from its unending support to the militants in Balochistan, which are officially dubbed as ‘Fitna al Hindustan’.
The Army Chief, on the basis of concrete evidence, said terrorist elements active in Balochistan are proxies acting on behalf of foreign interests, particularly India, adding terrorists are not Baloch but agents of disruption sponsored by India.
As India has intensified its mischief-mongering in Balochistan as underlined by recent tragedy in Khuzdar where a school bus was attacked by Indian-aided terrorists, it is high time a decisive war is launched against misguided elements and their link-ages with their foreign masters are exposed and broken.
It is satisfying that the national leadership is contemplating to promote dialogue and reconciliation for addressing the challenge thrown by the enemy.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the Army Chief are scheduled to attend a significant tribal jirga in Quetta today (Saturday) aimed at promoting political dialogue and unity in the province.
It is expected to serve as an effective plat-form for constructive engagement among all stakeholders as invitations for the jirga have been extended to lawmakers, tribal elders and political leaders from across the province.
Incidentally, there is increasing interest by some countries including the United States in exploration and development of mineral resources of Balochistan and they should be sensitized about the proxy war of India in the province, which poses challenges for maintaining a peaceful environment so crucial for exploitation of the mineral wealth.
It is also important to note that the Army Chief spoke about constitutionalism and institutional harmony, which is crucial to take the country forward in a coherent manner.
He called for reinforcing national unity, stressing the importance of institutional integrity and constitutional governance.
“We must build a strong Pakistan where all institutions function according to law, without political pressure, and for the welfare of the people,” he said and urged rejection of any narrative aimed at weakening the state.
There is no reason the country will not develop and prosper provided all institutions work while remaining strictly within the ambit of the Constitution and the law and there is rule of law in the true sense of the word.
There should be zero tolerance for anti-state narratives and those undermining the strength of the national institutions as strong institutions are firm guarantees for national sovereignty.
