Abbotabad: At the Azadi Parade at Pakistan Military Academy (PMA) Kakul on Monday, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir passionately declared, “We gained freedom after a great struggle and we know how to defend it.”
At the PMA, Kakul, Azadi, Parade for the 76th Independence Day, the Army Chief congratulated the nation on its seven decades of freedom and praised the well-dressed soldiers for demonstrating their professional talents.
General Asim Munir stated, “I wish to congratulate you all on completion of 76 years of Independence, and for celebrating 14th August with the glorious tradition of an immaculate and inspiring Parade at Pakistan Military Academy. Alongside the national fervour of commemorating this day, every year, 14th August brings back an opportunity to revive pledge, absolute devotion, and unshakable resolution for a bright future of our motherland.”
He told PMA cadets, “You all stand tonight to honour ‘Independence’, which came as a result of the vision of our great leaders, and the relentless efforts and sacrifices of our forefathers. This day reminds us of the ethos behind the formation of this country, “Pakistan ka matlab kia – La illaha Illalah,” which was anchored in the Two Nation Theory and the manifest destiny of the Muslims of Subcontinent.
He said the nation had celebrated freedom, equality, and happiness for 76 years, a tradition we must continue every day.
The COAS noted that the march was held here to emphasise the patriotic spirit of serving our motherland, a place of endless opportunities and abundant blessings.
Our wonderful country and the nation will ‘Inshallah’ continue to rise, in line with the ambitions of our forebears, the people of Pakistan and for a bright future of the next generations’, he said.
The Army Chief said the country was experiencing a watershed era with challenges, geopolitical squabbling, increased power contestation, hegemonism, and jingoism.
“We continue to withstand the evil designs of the inimical forces; forces of instability and chaos, eager in their failed attempts to undo Pakistan,” he said.
“There is no power on earth, which can undo Pakistan,” he remarked, inshallah. We shall continue to combat our external and domestic opponents.
The Army Chief repeated that the nation had the will, capacity, and capability to overcome any obstacles, internal and external.
“I stand here tonight to give hope to our great nation, not to define these challenges. I’m here to reassure the people that Pakistan’s defenders will never hesitate to sacrifice for sovereignty and territorial integrity. We’ll help Pakistan’s Comprehensive National Security and development endeavours as needed. As a National Army, Pakistan Army is proud of its dedication to Pakistanis. Afwaj-e-Pakistan aur Awam aik hain! (Armed Forces of Pakistan and nation are one).
The COAS said our beautiful country is blessed with innumerable blessings from the Himalayas to the Coastal Belt, from Rocky Mountains on the West to verdant meadows, alluvial plains, and huge deserts in the East, all rich with natural endowments and wonderful opportunities.
He noted that the nation of over 240 million had many ambitious and dedicated youth. Just follow Faith, Unity, and Discipline. “Faith in Allah and our abilities to rise against all odds, while never giving into distractions; Unity in our efforts; and the desired Discipline of channelling our energies towards peace, prosperity, and development,” General Asim Munir remarked.
He asked the public to resist melancholy, sceptics, and fear mongers who were failing to sow despair and gloom.
He said this great nation has overcome many similar problems since its founding.
He noted that no nation has ever succeeded without such hurdles.
“Fear Not, Worry Not, and you will be superior in victory if you are indeed believers,” Allah says in Surah Al-Imran (Ayat 139). Allah asks in Surah Anqaboot (Ayat 2): Do they think they can just say, “We believe,” and not be tried?
In Surah Al-Baqarah (Ayat 214), Allah says: They suffered and were so disturbed that even the Messenger (MPBUH) and those of faith with him exclaimed, “When (will come) the help of Allah?” Ah! Allah helps!”
To my Kashmiri brethren, I would say that Inshallah you will also get free from the ruthless occupation forces, as we did 76 years ago, via your genuine cause of self-determination and indigenous independence struggle.
He stated that the Kashmiri people’s determination can overcome communication blackouts, bayonet use, and turning Illegally Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir into the world’s largest prison.
“The international community must realise that Indian excesses in Kashmir have gone unaddressed and that freedom and self-determination are being denied at the altar of geo-political necessity. “All Kashmiris, I reiterate the assurance and full backing of your brothers in arms and the complete Pakistani nation,” the COAS stated.
He said the Armed Forces wished to reassure our brothers in Khyber Pakhtunka and Balochistan, who have bravely fought terrorism and proxy for over two decades, that we would succeed inshallah. We want you to live in peace and progress in keeping with the aspirations of the people’, he said.
For India, he told our neighbour, who has never reconciled with Pakistan and threatens regional peace and stability, “I must say that we gained freedom after a great struggle and we know how to defend it!”
He stressed that the world must take our archrival’s geopolitical calculus, warped by its outsized ambition, illusion of being a great power, and Hindutva-driven hyper nationalism, seriously.
“We will never be coerced by aggressive designs, and the region cannot afford such hostility between two nuclear powers. “Unfortunately, the adversary continues to peddle its nefarious designs against us for petty political mileage; I would humbly remind them of their predicament, last time they tried to do so,” he said.
“We have been the most hospitable nation and wish that they reciprocate our earnest efforts to the least, and not allow their soil to be used against us,” he stated of our Afghan brother.
The country was making significant progress in partnership and cooperation with its longtime friend China and has revitalised its traditional links with Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Republic of Turkiye, State of Qatar, and Islamic Republic of Iran.
“Pakistan is determined to rise among the nations and deepen our relationships with all our friends and partners. If we stay together, steadfast, and undeterred, we have a bright future,” he said.
“I commend you all on this immaculate display of drill on Independence Day,” the Army Chief told the cadets. You have chosen a wonderful career that protects Pakistan from its foes, both visible and invisible. Be ready to sacrifice for this country’s honour and dignity.”
He ended with hope for all. We are Pakistanis first and proud of our beautiful nation. We must unify and put Pakistan first.”
“Pakistan hai, to hum hain! We exist if Pakistan does.
“A man alone is nothing but powerful when united as a nation like a wave outside the ocean which is weak but extremely vehement when inside the deep water,” he said.
