THERE is no doubt that the sacrifices made by our military personnel in defending the motherland and eradicating terrorism are unforgettable. The entire nation acknowledges their sacrifices. The martyrs who gave their lives for the protection of the motherland’s borders and the fight against terrorism will always be remembered. Like me, every citizen of this country has full confidence in the capabilities of our defence forces. These words reflect the emotions of every fellow citizen. Our soldiers, assigned to protect both internal and external borders, face the enemy with pride. The way our defence forces serve in jungles, deserts, mountains, valleys, glaciers, seas and skies, alongside the entire military leadership, is not only commendable but unparalleled.
It is a fact that the military is a key pillar of the state’s internal security and defence against foreign aggression. Our military personnel and officers have sacrificed their lives in the fight against terrorism. In any civilized country, a democratic government honours its defence forces’ dignity, professional role and national service during both war and peace with respect and admiration. Our military personnel are sacrificing their today for our tomorrow and these heroes both martyrs and veterans, are our benefactors. The nation will never forget its benefactors.
However, the enemies of the homeland wish to accelerate the process of division within the nation, aiming to clear the path for their nefarious designs and false goals, without having to exert themselves. The practical application of new concepts regarding media and judicial freedom, along with the powerful voices emerging in democratic politics, demand a serious, measured, tolerant and wise approach from political leaders, religious figures, the media, civil society and security officials. A political culture that is free from emotionalism and sensationalism must be allowed to flourish. The authorities should establish milestones for decision-making and mental alertness in national matters.
Time is signalling changes in the region; Balochistan demands attention and the Taliban are once again trying to consolidate their forces. National democratic politics is evolving, but terrorism, economic instability, poverty, inflation and the murder of merit have had profound and indescribable effects on national psychology. From historical observation, it is clear that when nations are strong, investment boosts their economies. But when nations weaken, even small companies from large countries become part of a long period of enslavement. Therefore, we need a strong military, whose presence will deter any global power from even considering threats against Pakistan.
In a democracy, the supremacy of the Constitution is paramount. This is because institutions are not created by the Constitution; rather, institutions come into existence through the Constitution. The Constitution defines the status and powers of various institutions, leading to stability in society. The absence or deviation from the Constitution breeds chaos, as we are witnessing today with the disregard for the constitution. We request all authorities to stop the violation of the Constitution in our beloved country. We must take every necessary step to close the gap between the people and institutions at all levels, even if it means putting aside personal egos.
—The writer is contributing columnist, based in Faisalabad.
