While the worsening political situation in Pakistan benefits enemies who try to exploit international media, the Pakistani army is committed to protecting its citizens and borders.
In a time of unrest inside Pakistan, Pakistan’s army- one of the most professional armies in the world- keeps a close eye on its borders.
Citizens of Pakistan cannot tolerate propaganda against the Pakistani army, and the nation remains united against any lobby, internal or external, that attempts to malign the name of the army.
Former spymaster Syed Asim Munir, the COAS, is well aware of Pakistan’s internal and external threats. In a recent visit to the Line of Control (LoC) which divides the disputed Kashmir region, Lieutenant General Asim Munir, Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff (COAS), reiterated the readiness of Pakistan’s armed forces to defend their country against any external aggression. “Let me make it categorically clear, Pakistan’s armed forces are ever ready, not only to defend every inch of our motherland, but to take the fight back to the enemy if ever war is imposed on us,” he stated, according to a statement released by the military’s media wing.
In addition to emphasizing Pakistan’s military strength, the COAS also called on world powers to help resolve the Kashmir issue. The United Nations has promised the people of Kashmir the right of self-determination to determine their own future through a free and fair plebiscite under UN supervision.
However, Pakistan’s enemies should not misconstrue this initiative as a sign of weakness. The COAS warned that any misconception or misadventure would be met with the full might of Pakistan’s armed forces.
These remarks by the COAS come amidst increasing tensions between India and Pakistan, particularly over the disputed region of Kashmir. India’s Defence Minister, Rajnath Singh, had earlier stated in late October that New Delhi was ready to reach Gilgit-Baltistan, a semi-autonomous region in Pakistan. India claims that Gilgit-Baltistan is a part of Kashmir and is illegally occupied by Pakistan.
This statement of COAS General Asim Munir is likely to have sent shivers down the spines of Indian officials, as it emphasizes Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity. The COAS’s strong stance has also been hailed by Kashmiri leadership, who are equally invested in resolving the longstanding conflict over the region.
The COAS’s statement has been welcomed by the Pakistani nation, which is proud of its armed forces and stands firmly behind them. It is now up to the international community to work towards a peaceful resolution of the Kashmir issue, in line with the UN’s promise of self-determination for the people of Jammu & Kashmir.
The longstanding dispute over Kashmir has led to several armed conflicts between India and Pakistan since their independence in 1947. In recent years, tensions have escalated between the two nuclear-armed neighbors, particularly since the Indian government’s decision in August 2019 to revoke the special status of Jammu and Kashmir and to bifurcate the state into two union territories. Pakistan has strongly condemned this move, calling it a violation of United Nations resolutions on the issue.
As the situation remains tense, the COAS’s statement reaffirms Pakistan’s commitment to defending its sovereignty and territorial integrity.