In his address to the Christian Community at Christ Church Rawalpindi on Monday, Chief of Army Staff, General Asim Munir, very rightly highlighted the persistent threat posed by the adversaries. His assertion that the enemies of Pakistan are actively exploiting religious, ethnic and political vulnerabilities underscores the complexity of the challenges faced by the nation. This warrants vigilance, awareness and a collective commitment to counter the threats and build a more united Pakistan.
Over the years, the country has grappled with internal strife fuelled by sectarian tensions, ethnic disparities and political discords. The external actors, driven by their own strategic interests, have sought to capitalize on these internal fault lines to weaken the country from within. To comprehend the gravity of the situation, it is essential to reflect on the country’s historical context. Since independence, the country has faced numerous internal and external challenges. Periods of political instability, tension along ethnic lines and religious extremism have tested the resilience of the Pakistani society. Our enemies tried to exploit these historical fault lines to create divisions that undermine the nation’s unity and stability. The founder of the nation Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah had envisioned a nation where diversity would be celebrated and all the people would coexist peacefully, irrespective of their religious, ethnic or political affiliations. Upholding the principles laid out by the Quaid is crucial in countering the divisive tactics employed by external adversaries. The only viable response to the enemy’s tactics is a unified front that transcends religious, ethnic and political boundaries. Cohesion and solidarity among the people will serve as a formidable barrier against those seeking to exploit internal divisions. Achieving the vision outlined by the Quaid requires collective effort from every segment of society who must come together to foster an environment of mutual respect, understanding and cooperation. Whilst political leaders need to play their part in bringing political stability, it is also for the religious scholars to promote true teachings of Islam that only preaches peace and harmony. Similarly, special efforts should be undertaken to address the grievances of marginalized ones. By doing so, Pakistan can neutralize the divisive tactics employed by external forces and forge a path toward a brighter and more stable future.
