Weakening military is akin to weakening state: COAS

Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Gen Syed Asim Munir said on Tuesday that any attempt to undermine the military was tantamount to weakening the country itself and warned that any discord or division would hollow the nation from within and paved the way for external aggression.

Addressing the Azadi Parade at the Pakistan Military Academy in Kakul on the eve of August 14. General Asim reiterated the military's commitment to defending the country. The parade was held to mark the 77th Independence Day.

The ceremony was attended by cadets, their families, and other distinguished guests. The national flag was hoisted by the 12th Baloch Regiment at midnight. It also included, the cadets performed a march-past, while a laser light show depicting Pakistan's struggle for independence and nation-building.

"Our national consciousness is rooted in the ideology of Pakistan, which is based on the Two-Nation Theory. Any effort to weaken our armed forces is akin to weakening the state," Gen Asim told the ceremony. He expressed confidence that no negative force could undermine this trust.

The army chief expressed gratitude for the blessings of freedom and the establishment of Pakistan, acknowledging the sacrifices made by the forefathers and paying tribute to the heroes of the Independence Movement.

He also highlighted the importance of unity and warned that discord and division could hollow the nation from within, paving the way for external aggression. He noted that Pakistan, despite rapid global changes, held a prominent position within the Muslim Ummah and the world due to its steadfast stance.

The chief of army staff underscored the enduring bond between the military and the people of Pakistan. "We emerge as a strong nation after trials and tribulations. Pakistan's future is bright and secure, and our forces will continue to defend it with unwavering resolve," he said.

He concluded by acknowledging the ongoing threat of extremism and terrorism in the region. He commended the sacrifices rendered by the people, armed forces, and law-enforcement personnel in combating terrorism.

He reaffirmed the army's resolve to continue making sacrifices for the nation's security. He said that the armed forces had taken oath to defend the country, internally and externally, and the armed forces would not let the sacrifices of its martyrs to go waste.

Gen Asim said that the nation's unwavering trust in the Pakistan Army was the military's most valuable asset. "Neither any negative force has ever been able to weaken this relationship of trust and love nor can it do so in future," he added.

"Historically, we as a nation have always emerged stronger after every hardship. Mutual trust between the nation and the armed forces played key role in this regard," he added. "Pakistan came into being to stand out among the comity of nations. Pakistan is a fait accompli and it cannot be undone."

He prayed that "may the Almighty Allah grant us the courage and strength to defend the country" and make it a successful and great example for the future generations. He stressed that the Pakistanis told "are living as a free nation owing to the martyrs' sacrifices".