CHIEF of the Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir has urged India to engage with Pakistan as a “civilized nation” rather than trying to impose its hegemony on the region.
In an interaction with the Pakistani American community in Washington, he also stated that Islamabad “strongly supports Iran” in its war with Israel, while backing US efforts to end the conflict.
The bold remarks of the COAS on issues of national defence and security and enthusiastic response of the audience conveyed an unambiguous message that every patriotic Pakistani, whether living in Pakistan or abroad, stands solidly behind the defence forces in the discharge of their professional responsibilities and that the nation stands united in foiling designs of the enemy.
Field Marshal Munir spoke in detail about last month’s clashes with India, stating that New Delhi had launched this “misadventure” in an attempt to impose its own version of a new world order — one that includes violating the sovereignty of other nations under false pretences.
The Army Chief pointed out that India at-tempted to establish a ‘new normal’ — a dangerous precedent of crossing international borders at will but Pakistan rejected this new normal and demonstrated the strength to resist India’s hegemonic ambitions.
Welcoming remarks of the COAS that reflected the will of the nation, the overseas Pakistanis chanted slogans in his favour and gave him over a dozen standing ovations.
All this was natural and spontaneous as also confirmed by reports that groups of pilgrims from other countries repeatedly greeted groups of Pakistani pilgrims during Hajj on receipt of reports about successes of Pakistan armed forces in the war against India.
