Majyd Aziz
PAKISTAN is a country where 250 million citizens have never enjoyed a nationally peaceful period in the last nearly eight decades.
The regrettable fact is that the turbulence, disturbances and frustration are either due to the myriad sordid provenances that have their roots within the national borders or due to external forces and elements who also hamper the nation’s progression by taking advantage of the ground realities prevailing in the country. These have formidably impacted on the nation’s march on the avenue of economic development, on achieving welfare of the denizens and ushering in a peaceful, progressive and prosperous Pakistan. The formidable bulwark against these inimical forces is, and has been, the Pakistan Army.
The definition of an Army is that it is “a large, organized body of armed personnel trained for war, especially on land”. The words of Jinnah to the Army are very indicative of his vision of its role. He stated, “You will have to be alert, very alert, for the time for relaxation is not yet there. With faith, discipline and selfless devotion to duty, there is nothing worthwhile that you cannot achieve”. Today, the Pakistan Army has widened the landscape of its activities due to multitude of factors that in more ways than one have had an impact on the survivability and sustainability of the motherland. Its primary assignment as the defender of the borders has been compounded significantly with various exigencies that have necessitated direct involvement either in a supporting role or, when it became imperative, from a vantage position.
Pakistan’s status as a geo-strategically and geo-economically significant country, with many advantages and benefits, unfortunately has been affected by the belligerence, hostility and meddling of countries on the western and eastern borders. Pakistan was propelled into being the frontline state in the Global War on Terror. War is being fought not only at the borders but also within the country. Hostile forces, boosted by foreign funding and support, have created havoc, with serious repercussions to the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the nation. The colossal loss of men, material and money ravaged the progress and prosperity of Pakistan.
China-Pakistan Economic Corridor has been a welcome initiative and was heralded as the beginning of global confidence in Pakistan. In today’s difficult times, CPEC has instilled hope that its success would be a showcase that Pakistan could exhibit to attract global investment and interest in Pakistan. This is further encouraged by the fact that the Pakistan Army is fully behind its implementation and provides security, safety and confidence to those Chinese citizens who are based in Pakistan. The essence of these measures is akin to the security of the country’s strategic assets and is a manifestation of the seriousness with which Pakistan places on Chinese government, investment and people.
The citizens of Pakistan have always looked up to the Pakistan Army. Their trust in this institution is indisputable. There are anti-state campaigners who continue to deride the Army and attempt to damage its credibility and integrity. These elements must be exposed, castigated and shunned. At this present moment, when tensions at the borders are threateningly escalating, where political leaders and media from the neighbouring country are indulging in blatant anger-jingoism, where efforts are made to directly interfere in the internal affairs of the country and where economic terrorism is being openly contemplated, the citizens demand that politicians, media and social activists must encourage and support the role of Pakistan Army in undertaking all measures to counter these terrorization and intimidations. The defence forces must be continuously modernized through the induction of fifth generation weaponry, cutting-edge defence technology and Artificial Intelligence, while human resources must be imparted advanced training in modern warfare and security implementation. The disaster management system must also be revamped and strengthened.
The valiant defence forces have just recently delivered a tough message to friend and foe. Do not underestimate Pakistan and be assured that Pakistan is getting out of her triple header crises, economically, politically and diplomatically, and laying claims of being a serious member in the comity of nations. The message for all Pakistanis is that this is the time to be united as one nation, willing to sacrifice and ready to demonstrate the unquestionable greatness of the country. It is also imperative that all those who wield authority must be on the same page and must reflect this unified thinking in word, action and spirit. This is not the time for manipulative manoeuvres or polemical pursuits. This is not the time for brinkmanship or gainsaying ventures. This is not the time for putting at risk the national ideology, territorial integrity and established sovereignty of the motherland.
The Founder of Pakistan’s message is so true today. He said, “Let us now plan to build and reconstruct and regenerate our great nation…. Now is the time, chance and opportunity for every Pakistani to make his or her fullest and best contribution and make the greatest sacrifice and work ceaselessly in the service of our nation and make Pakistan one of the greatest nations of the world”.
—The writer is Former President Karachi Chamber of Commerce.
