The Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir on Friday told the nation to “not allow political differences to turn into hatred”, stressing that the strong relations between the army and the public will serve as the foundation to defeat any enemy trying to create rifts between the two.
The army chief was addressing a ceremony at the General Headquarters in Rawalpindi today to mark the country’s 59th Defence Day, commemorating the sacrifices of fallen heroes of the 1965 war against India.
The ceremony was attended by the army’s top brass, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the prime minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, other senior military and governmental officials, and families of martyred soldiers, among others.
“Efforts to weaken national solidarity will never succeed,” he said, advising the nation to rise above religious intolerance and fully protect the rights of minorities as per the Constitution.
“Do not allow differences in political views to turn into hatred,” he asserted.
The army chief said that the Pakistan Army and the people of Pakistan shared a “heartfelt relationship”, which would continue to strengthen the resolve of the security forces.
“Whether facing hostile foreign elements or fighting the war against terrorism, carrying out relief activities in the face of disasters, or playing a role in projects related to the country’s progress, the Pakistani nation has always strengthened the army’s resolve,” he said.
Gen Munir added the strong bond between the people and the army would lead to the defeat of Pakistan’s enemies.
“The forces working to undermine the country’s security efforts and create a rift between the army and the people will once again meet defeat,” the army chief asserted.
He highlighted that all elements spreading chaos, uncertainty, and despair among the nation will be defeated through unity of purpose and mental harmony.
Fight against terrorism will continue
Speaking about the war against terrorism in the country, the army chief said that the series of sacrifices rendered by the army and the people of Pakistan continued to date.
“And this war will continue until the elimination of all terrorists,” he said. “To fight for the cause of Pakistan, the security forces, along with the law enforcement agencies, and the brave people of Pakistan — especially the brave people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan — have made unprecedented sacrifices.
Last month, Balochistan saw a recent flare-up of violence as dozens of militants affiliated with the banned Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) launched several attacks across Balochistan, killing at least 50, including 14 security personnel.
More to follow
