ISLAMABAD: Chief of the Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa has made it clear that nobody will be allowed to create political and economic instability in the country.

“The message is clear. The armed forces with the support of our citizens will never allow any country, group or force to politically or economically destabilise Pakistan,” he declared while speaking at a passing-out parade at Pakistan Military Academy (PMA), Kakul, on Saturday.

The remarks came days after Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah announced that army would be called out in aid of civil power, in case PTI chief Imran Khan gave a call for long march to Islamabad. A date for the march is yet to be announced though PTI says all preparations are at the final stage for what it claims would be the largest gathering of people in the country’s political history.

Gen Bajwa said a heavy price, both in blood and kind, had been paid to safeguard Pakistan’s sovereignty and integrity. “Thou­sands of valiant sons have sacrificed their lives to enable us reach the place where we stand today,” he remarked.

Asks cadets not to be distracted by fake news or political wrangling; extols respect for democratic institutions

Fake news, political wrangling

The army chief urged the passing-out cadets not to get “distracted by fake news and political wrangling”.

“Respect the democratic institutions and be always ready to defend the territorial integrity, sovereignty and Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan with your life,” he said, adding that they should “always remain alert and prepared to respond to and defeat all intrigues and conspiracies hatched against our country with iron-fist”.

He proudly said the Pakistan Army, with full support and confidence of the nation, had successfully turned the tide against the menace of terrorism in the last two decades and ensured that organised terrorism was decisively rooted out from Pakistan.

“This is indeed a unique accomplishment that not many countries or armies can claim,” he observed.

Gen Bajwa underlined the need for regional peace and developing a mechanism for resolving all bilateral issues peacefully, as he warned that the “price of status quo will be devastating for all of us”.

“We must give peace a chance by developing a mechanism to resolve all our bilateral issues peacefully. Moreover, as opposed to fighting each other, we should collectively fight hunger,

poverty, illiteracy, population explosion, climate change and disease,” he emphasised.

He, however, said that Pakistan’s desire for peace must not be construed as its weakness. “No one should make any mistake about our collective resolve to defend our core interests and every inch of our motherland,” he said.

Political logjam

The army chief stressed that in its quest for peace, Pakistan extended sincere and all-out efforts to evolve good relations with all its neighbours and regional countries.

“We are trying our best to break the political logjam which has denied the countries of South Asia to move forward and resolve all regional and bilateral issues in a peaceful and dignified manner.”

Gen Bajwa asserted that people of South Asia, like the rest of the world, deserved prosperity and better living conditions. “This can only happen with sustained economic growth, development and above all, lasting peace. Therefore, we must strive hard to keep the flames of war away from the region,” he explained.

The army chief told the cadets that the day held “nostalgic significance” for him as he was in their position some 42 years ago and never thought that one day, he would have the honour of commanding this remarkable army.

He said persona of a just and impartial commander, who exhibits merit in dispensation of reward and punishment, is the one who earns unconditional loyalty and obedience of his under command. “As a leader, you need to have courage and ability to take difficult decisions and then accept full responsibility,” he said, while highlighting that correct decision-making required both competence and confidence.

“Remember that no one is born with professional knowledge. It has to be acquired through constant pursuit. Without it, you cannot achieve professional competence which is the hallmark of successful military leadership,” he said. “You need to equip yourself with the lofty attributes of leadership with a sense of purpose to gain the respect and trust of your subordinates. It is only through the development of your unwavering trust and confidence that you can instill a spirit in your under command which will hold you together in times of crisis,” he added.

The army chief underscored the value of “keeping up a brave face in front of your men when you’re as shattered and frightened inside as all of them in a life-and-death situation” and said keeping “the wellbeing of your troops ahead of your own is the hallmark of a successful military leader”.

He said: “My dear cadets, you’re entering the service at a time when the challenges facing the country are complex and multifaceted. Hence, your responsibilities are far greater and more demanding than that of your predecessors. You have chosen to serve and protect your motherland which demands the highest level of dedication, sense of purpose and sacrifice. This pledge must never be undermined as you have been amply equipped and prepared to immediately overpower future challenges and emerge victorious.”

Gen Bajwa said he was “highly optimistic” and assured by the cadets’ exemplary display of discipline and professionalism that the prestige, security and safety of the country were in safe hands.

The COAS reviewed the parade and gave awards to distinguished cadets. The passed out cadets belong to 146th PMA Long Course, 34th Technical Graduate Course, 65th Integrated Course, 20th Lady Cadet Course and 5th Basic Military Training Course. Cadets from Palestine, the Maldives, Qatar, Sri Lanka, Nepal and Iraq were also among those passed out.

Awards

The coveted Sword of Honour was awarded to Academy Senior Under Officer Mohammad Daood Khan of 146th PMA Long Course. The President’s Gold Medal to Battalion Senior Under Officer Shoaib Akmal of 146th PMA Long Course, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee Overseas Gold Medal to Company Senior Under Officer Jaggat Paudal of 146th PMA Long Course from Nepal, Chief of Army Staff Cane to Course Under Officer Mudassir Amin of 34th Technical Graduate Course and Commandant Cane awarded to Course Under Officer Haider Ijaz of 65th Integrated Course, Course Under Officer Zunaira Shafqat of 20th Lady Cadet Course and Course Junior Under Officer Hira Irfan of 5th Basic Military Training Course.

Published in Dawn, October 9th, 2022