On the 59th Defence Day of Pakistan, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir delivered a stirring address, honoring the martyrs and reaffirming the steadfast commitment of Pakistan’s armed forces to defend the nation’s sovereignty.
Observed annually on September 6, Defence Day commemorates the victory of the Pakistani military in the 1965 war against India, a day of national pride and reflection.
General Munir emphasized the importance of September 6 in both national and military history, praising the spirit of unity and solidarity displayed by the Pakistani people and armed forces during the war, which thwarted the enemy’s ambitions and safeguarded the country.
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He highlighted that this same spirit of unity continues to drive the Pakistan Army in defending the nation’s borders. In his speech, General Munir paid tribute to the martyrs who gave their lives for the country. He commended the bravery of the officers and soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice and emphasized the army’s commitment to protecting the honor of the martyrs and their families.
The COAS reiterated that the Pakistan Army’s guiding principles—”Faith, Piety, and Jihad”—remain its greatest source of strength, enabling it to confront any threat. He praised the unmatched courage and professionalism of Pakistan’s armed forces in both conventional warfare and the fight against terrorism.
General Munir noted that Pakistan’s forces have achieved unparalleled success in combating terrorism, with no other military globally matching their achievements. He credited the efforts of the security forces and law enforcement agencies for ensuring Pakistan’s stability and safety.
However, he also addressed emerging challenges such as “digital terrorism” and 5th-generation warfare, warning that these threats, fueled by foreign and anti-national elements, are more complex and dangerous than traditional terrorism. He assured the nation that the armed forces are tackling these new challenges while remaining committed to peace and unity.
The COAS reaffirmed Pakistan’s desire for peaceful relations with its neighbors, highlighting the importance of cordial ties for regional stability. Despite this desire for peace, General Munir assured the nation that the military remains vigilant and ready to respond to any aggression.
He also discussed the Kashmir conflict, advocating for its peaceful resolution in line with UN resolutions and the wishes of the Kashmiri people. He praised the resilience of the Kashmiris in the face of Indian oppression and reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering support for their cause.
In addition, General Munir expressed solidarity with the Palestinian people, condemning Israeli actions in Gaza and vowing that Pakistan will continue to raise its voice on international platforms in support of Palestine.
Concluding his speech, the COAS called on the nation to renew its commitment to unity and solidarity, stressing that Pakistan’s strength lies in national cohesion. He urged Pakistanis to put aside their differences and demonstrate unity and harmony, asserting that as long as the nation remains united, no external force can harm Pakistan.
