COAS Asim Munir vows to 'further solidify' bond between army and people

• "We will ensure that bond between forces and people is further solidified," vows Gen Asim Munir.
• Says there is absolutely no space for spoilers of our hard-earned peace.
  
• COAS says peace in Afghanistan is fundamental to Pakistan’s security.

KAKUL: Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir on Saturday reiterated the military's commitment to Pakistan’s stability and vowed to ensure that the bond between the army and the people is preserved and further solidified.

He said this while addressing the passing out parade at Pakistan Military Academy (PMA) in Kakul today.

General Asim Munir, in his first speech at the PMA as the COAS, said that the people of Pakistan are central to the unity of the state and added that the first and foremost is loyalty to the state of Pakistan and commitment to the Constitutional role assigned to armed forces of Pakistan.

"To us, nothing is more sacred than the safety and security of our people and no duty is more binding than the defence of our motherland. Go out now, and deliver to the expectations of your nation,” he told the cadets.

"The army imbibes the vision of our great Quaid signifying no distinction of caste, colour, creed, gender or geography."

The COAS noted that Pakistan’s efforts for peace should never be taken as a sign of weakness.

“We have the will, capability and capacity to protect our sovereignty and territorial integrity and we are well aware of the ways and means to do it. I assure the people of Pakistan that we will never hesitate in rendering any and every sacrifice necessary for the defence of our sacred motherland.”

He said that the brave soldiers of Pakistan don’t get fascinated with the numbers and resources of their adversaries.

The armed forces of Pakistan stand firm with their strong will and determination while fulfilling the promises of Almighty Allah as true followers, he said.

Terrorism

Vowing to rid the country of terrorism, COAS Asim Munir said, “There is absolutely no space for spoilers of our hard-earned peace”.

He reiterated that the armed forces will never shy away from any sacrifice to stabilise, secure, and safeguard the future of the next generations.

Domestic crises

Turning to ongoing crises in the country, General Asim Munir said that significant effort is being made by the adversaries to affect state and societal cohesion through multiple efforts.

“There is a dire need to identify the exposed and hidden enemies. In this regard, there must be a difference between reality and deception.”

General Asim said that the country’s enemies are hell-bent on driving a wedge between its people and the armed forces, and added: "We will ensure that the bond between Armed Forces and People of Pakistan is preserved and further solidified.”

Afghanistan

Highlighting the importance of peace on western borders, the COAS said that the stability, security and peace in Afghanistan are fundamental to Pakistan’s security.

Kashmir issue

Assuring the Kashmiri brothers of the country’s steadfast support, he said that Pakistan firmly stands with its Kashmiri brethren in their historic struggle for basic human rights and their legitimate quest for the right to self-determination.

“We will continue to provide political, moral and diplomatic support to our Kashmiri brothers.”

He asked the international community to realise, that without a just and peaceful resolution to the Kashmir issue, regional peace will forever remain elusive.