AS Pakistan continues to face internal and external threats, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir has pledged that the territorial integrity and security of the country, along with the protection of every citizen, will never be compromised under any circumstances.
Addressing the participants of the National Security Workshop-27 (NSW-27) who visited the GHQ on Wednesday, he described Pakistan as a “country of consequence” destined to reach its rightful place in the comity of nations. During the interactive session, the COAS highlighted the fluid regional environment shaped by heightened geopolitical competition, cross-border terrorism and hybrid threats.
What the Field Marshall pronounced was not rhetoric but a firm determination as underlined by Pakistan’s prompt and clear-cut responses when nefarious attempts were made to undermine the country’s security and defence. Unlike the past when ifs and buts punctuated Pakistan’s docile reaction on similar occasions, Pakistan armed forces lost no time in teaching a memorable lesson to the enemy. The entire world witnessed how far Pakistan went for peace but acted decisively when India carried out aggression on the pretext of Pahalgam incident, which is widely believed as a false flag operation. Pakistan’s courageous and professionally sound response has become a must topic in the international debate and raised the standing and prestige of the country in the comity of nations. A reference to this reality was also made by the COAS during his interaction with the participants of the workshop when he said that professionalism, resolve and commitment of the Armed Forces displayed during Marka-e-Haq has enhanced the global stature of Pakistan. It will not be an exaggeration to say that the epoch-making response and the effective strategy adopted by Pakistan have assumed a status of deterrence like the nuclear capability of the country. The policy of zero tolerance against threats to the sovereignty and security of the country was once again highlighted when Pakistan bombed terrorist hideouts in Afghanistan after India and Afghan-sponsored elements hiked their activities against Pakistan and Kabul declined to cooperate in dealing with the challenge. This strategy is also visible in the intensified counter-terrorism operations aimed at rooting out the menace once for all. Terrorists and their masters are increasing pressure on Pakistan but the resolve of our defence and security institutions to defend the motherland at all costs is stronger than the conspiracies of the enemy. In view of confirmed reports that Afghan nationals are invariably involved in almost all cross-border attacks and terrorist activities inside Pakistan, the authorities have firmed up an effective strategy to deport all illegal Afghans. No doubt, Pakistan is paying a price for the legitimate measures it is taking to ward off threats to its security and lives of its people but these will surely go a long way to help resolve some of the chronic problems and challenges of the country on a long term basis. Apart from a principled-base policy being adopted against threats to the territorial integrity of the country both from the eastern and western borders, which is appreciated by other countries as well, Pakistan’s determination to safeguard its security, economic and commercial interests is also visible in several other initiatives that the Pakistan Army undertook under the dynamic leadership of COAS Asim Munir. It was in this backdrop that participants were briefed on ongoing national efforts against illegal activities, including the crackdown on smuggling, narcotics trafficking and organized criminal networks that adversely impact security besides inflicting harm on the national economy. Updates were also shared on enhanced border controls and the repatriation of illegal foreigners, aimed at maintaining internal order and protecting national interests. The firm message of the COAS to our enemies and continuation of the prudent approaches to safeguard security and economic interests of Pakistan will surely create a congenial environment for fast-paced growth and development.
