ISLAMABAD, Tuesday, April 15, 2025 (WNP): Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir on Tuesday delivered a resolute message underscoring the Pakistan Army’s unyielding commitment to national development, territorial integrity, and the collective aspirations of the Pakistani people at the historic inaugural Overseas Pakistanis Convention.
In a speech charged with patriotic fervor and strategic clarity, the army chief asserted that no internal or external force would be allowed to hinder Pakistan’s journey toward stability and prosperity. “Whoever stands in the way of Pakistan’s progress, we will remove that obstacle together,” he declared, reinforcing the idea of a united civil-military front in pursuit of national objectives.
General Munir’s address was as much a morale booster as it was a subtle warning to disruptive elements. Refuting threats posed by militant groups, he asked rhetorically, “Do Pakistan’s enemies really believe that a handful of terrorists can decide the fate of Pakistan?” In what can be interpreted as a clear message to separatist elements, particularly in the southwest, he emphasized that “even ten generations of terrorists cannot harm Balochistan,” calling the province “the jewel of Pakistan’s destiny.”
His remarks were layered with strategic optimism, positioning Pakistan not as a country struggling for direction, but one already on the trajectory of progress. “The question is not when Pakistan will progress, but how fast it will,” he noted, crediting divine providence for the country’s abundant resources while urging national gratitude and unity.
Striking a chord with overseas Pakistanis, the COAS reframed the narrative of emigration. In contrast to the conventional concern over ‘brain drain,’ he hailed it as “brain gain,” appreciating the diaspora’s unwavering emotional and professional contributions to Pakistan’s image and development. “You are Pakistan’s ambassadors in the comity of nations,” he said, acknowledging their global influence and national loyalty.
In a broader ideological context, General Munir reiterated unwavering support for the causes of Kashmir and Gaza, calling Kashmir “Pakistan’s jugular vein” and expressing heartfelt solidarity with Palestinian Muslims—a recurring theme in the country’s defense and foreign policy discourse.
Evoking national pride, he reminded the audience of the eternal significance of the armed forces’ martyrs, asserting that their sacrifices remain “immortal” in the nation’s conscience and will never be forgotten.
His speech not only reflected the Pakistan Army’s traditional security-centric posture but also extended into socio-political and economic realms—signaling an evolved role for the military leadership in fostering national cohesion and diaspora engagement.
At a time when Pakistan faces economic challenges and geopolitical pressures, the army chief’s remarks sought to inspire confidence, reinforce institutional resolve, and underscore the importance of collective national will. It was a powerful message aimed not only at the audience in the convention hall but at the nation—and its adversaries—at large.
