CHIEF of Army Staff (COAS) and Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Field Marshal Asim Munir has highlighted that owing to the combined efforts of the government, military and the steadfast support of the people of Pakistan, the country is steadily and surely moving towards stability, greater opportunities and respect. He was addressing the 273rd Corps Commanders’ Conference at the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi, which undertook a comprehensive review of the prevailing internal and external security environment, with particular emphasis on evolving threats and operational preparedness. The participants reaffirmed that all terrorists under the tutelage of Indian sponsors, along with their facilitators and abettors, would be dealt with decisively and without exception.
The resolve of the military leadership assumes greater significance as it came on the eve of the birthday of the founder of Pakistan Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah whose vision for Pakistan was based on the principles of unity, faith and discipline. Apart from other things and reasons, the country could not proceed ahead as per vision of the Quaid because of internal strife and instability; otherwise it had the potential to emerge as a peaceful and prosperous state. This is also confirmed by the ongoing strategies and efforts of both the civilian and military leadership of the country that have raised the stature of Pakistan in the comity of nations. Results of their harmonious struggle to get rid of chronic challenges of the country and put it on the path of progress and development are now visible. It is, however, regrettable that the enemy, which was defeated thoroughly on the military front, is now opting for dirty tactics to harm Pakistan’s security and economic interests as part of its desire to weaken Pakistan for its crime of standing valiantly against the enemy’s nefarious designs. It is all the more unfortunate that knowingly or unknowingly some internal forces are directly or indirectly strengthening the hands of the enemy by indulging in propaganda and deeds that are harmful for national unity and solidarity. It was in this backdrop that the military forum categorically rejected the nexus between terrorism, crime and vested political interests and resolved that no one would be allowed to create divisions between the defence forces and the people of Pakistan. The Pakistan Army’s top leadership reaffirmed its resolve to counter any political or non-political attempts aimed at destabilizing national unity, security and stability. Our defence forces have a demonstrated capability of taking care of both domestic and foreign conspiracies against Pakistan as highlighted by their successes in the May War against India and steady progress in the war against terror, which has clear backing of both India and Afghanistan. The entire world is appreciative of the way the defence forces foiled designs of a much bigger enemy in the May conflict. Similarly, there are almost daily reports of achievements on the front of counter-terrorism but the campaign can be expedited and taken to the logical conclusion with wholehearted support of all segments of the society. The country, for the first time in decades, is pursuing a genuine process of reforms aimed at addressing fundamental ills of the economy. There is clear evidence of a positive change in the economic landscape and the situation will improve further if the existing momentum is maintained, which could not only reduce Pakistan’s crippling dependence on foreign aid that comes with strings attached but also transform the lot of people. A number of developments highlight the fact that the world is more than willing to forge partnership with Pakistan in economic and defence fields and it is now for the leadership and people of the country to translate this opportunity into reality through unity and commitment to the cause of peace, progress and prosperity.
