• PM Shehbaz says no campaign aimed at weakening the state will be tolerated
• Army chief reaffirms commitment to crushing those sowing chaos, despair among people; urges nation not to allow political differences to turn into hatred
• Condemns India’s occupation of Kashmir, Israeli aggression in Gaza

ISLAMABAD: Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) Gen Asim Munir reaffirmed his commitment on Friday to defeating those sowing chaos, despair and uncertainty among the people, vowing that the sacrifices in the fight against terrorism would continue until the eradication of terrorists from the country.

Addressing a ceremony at the General Head­quarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi on the 59th Defence Day, Gen Munir said: “We will never let nefarious designs weaken the national unity.”

He urged the nation to “not allow political differences to turn into hatred”, stressing that the strong relations between the army and the general public would serve as the foundation to defeat any enemy trying to create rifts between the two.

The ceremony was attended by the army’s top brass, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, the prime minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, federal cabinet members, senior military and governmental officials, and families of martyred soldiers, among others.

“I salute the great Pakistani nation, which has always supported the army and law enforcement agencies against enemies and forces inimical to the country,” the COAS said. He also acknowledged the sacrifices made by the people of Pakistan, especially from Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, in combating terrorism.

He highlighted key achievements in the country’s fight against terrorism, including the unified voice against extremist elements, better border management, the merger of tribal areas into KP, and economic and social improvement in KP and Balochistan. “These successes are the fruits of sacrifices of our martyrs and the determination of the nation,” he said.

He urged 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.

Gen Munir said 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.

The army chief said 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 with defeat,” he asserted.

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 the province, killing at least 50 including 14 security officials.

Similarly, a suicide attack in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s North Waziristan district killed four and injured 15 on Aug 26.

Terrorist attacks across the country surged to 59 in August, compared to 38 in July, according to a digital database maintained by the Pak Institute for Peace Studies (PIPS), an Islamabad-based think tank. Most attacks occurred in KP and Balochistan.

Some 37 terrorists were killed and 14 others suffered serious injuries in 10 days from Aug 20 onwards as security forces carried out an extensive operation, the military’s media wing ISPR said previously.

Kashmir, Palestine

Gen Munir condemned the human rights violations being committed against the people of Gaza and the India-held Jammu and Kashmir.

“India’s illegal occupation of Jammu and Kashmir is not only a national problem but a regional and global problem,” he said. “We salute the freedom struggle of the Kashmiri people and maintain that the establishment of sustainable peace in South Asia lies in the solution of the Kashmir issue.”

As for the ongoing atrocities committed by Israel in Gaza, Gen Munir said the Palestinian conflict should be a very serious cause of concern for the world. “Israeli aggression, brutality and exploitation of the Palestinian people is a clear violation of humanity and international laws,” he said. “At the diplomatic level, Pakistan will be active for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the prevention of atrocities against Palestinians.”

PM pays tribute to martyrs

Speaking at the ceremony, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed his government’s unwavering commitment to combating terrorism, pledging to continue the ongoing operation against Fitna al-Khawarij until their complete eradication.

“All our armed forces and law enforcing agencies will continue their operation for which there is a national consensus,” he said.

He paid tribute to the soldiers of armed forces who fearlessly fought and defeated the enemy that attacked Pakistan across the international border on Sept 6, 1965.

Despite their numerical advantage, the prime minister said the “enemy designs were thwarted by the valiant armed forces and were handed an unforgettable defeat on all fronts”. He saluted the martyrs’ families, whose “immense resilience and strength continued to inspire the nation”.

He emphasised that divisions within the nation posed a threat to the country’s integrity, and any movement in the country aimed at weakening the state would not be tolerated at any cost. “Abuse or bullets are not solution to the issues,” he said, stressing the need for unity among the nation.

The premier said all Pakistanis were responsible for ensuring the country’s development, peace and stability. “We might be in different fields, but our goal is only one, which is the development, integrity, and security of Pakistan,” he said.

On the Kashmir issue, PM Shehbaz said non-resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute was hampering the pace of positive development in the region.

“Kashmir is the unfinished agenda of partition that needs immediate settlement as per the aspirations of the people of Kashmir and according to the relevant UN Security Council resolutions through an impartial plebiscite. At the same time, roots of terrorism stemming from our neighbours need to be curbed in our common interest,” he added.

Published in Dawn, September 7th, 2024