RAWALPINDI, Apr 29 (NNI): Chief of the Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir has declared that there is nothing sacred than public’s protection and security, and that the first and foremost duty is the loyalty to the state of Pakistan and commitment to the constitutional role assigned to its armed forces.
General Asim Munir said while addressing as chief guest the passing-out parade of Pakistan Army’s 147th Long Course which was held at Pakistan Military Academy (PMA) Kakul on Saturday, the military’s media wing said.
The Army Chief reiterated the armed forces’ commitment to the country’s defence, calling out the enemies of Pakistan who were hell bent upon driving a wedge between the people and the armed forces.
General Asim Munir said the people of Pakistan are central to the unity of the state and added the first and foremost duty is the loyalty to the state of Pakistan and commitment to the constitutional role assigned to the 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.
General Asim said “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.”
The Army Chief said the brave soldiers of Pakistan don’t get fascinated with the numbers and resources of their adversaries. The armed forces stand firm with their strong will and determination while fulfilling the promises of Almighty Allah as true followers, he added.
Vowing to rid the country of terrorism, General Asim Munir said, “There is absolutely no space for spoilers of our hard-earned peace.” He reiterated the armed forces will never shy away from any sacrifice to stabilise, secure, and safeguard the future of the next generations.
Turning to ongoing crises in the country, General Asim Munir said 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,” he maintained.
General Asim said 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.”
Highlighting the importance of peace on western borders, the Army Chief said that the stability, security and peace in Afghanistan are fundamental to Pakistan’s security.
Assuring the Kashmiri brothers of the country’s steadfast support, he said 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 added.
He asked the international community to realise, that without a just and peaceful resolution to the Kashmir issue, regional peace will forever remain elusive.
A statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations said the passing-out parade of cadets of the 147th Long Course, 66th Integrated Course, 13th Mujahid Course, 6th Basic Military Training Course, and 21st Lady Cadet Course was held at Kakul.
Cadets from Palestine, Bahrain, Iraq, Qatar, and Sri Lanka were also among the passed-out cadets.
Army Chief General Asim Munir reviewed the parade and distributed awards among distinguished cadets. The coveted Sword of Honour was awarded to Academy Senior Under Officer Abdullah Bin Tariq and President’s Gold Medal to Battalion Senior Under Officer Ali Amir of 147th PMA Long Course.
The Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee Overseas Gold Medal was awarded to Battalion Sports Sergeant Pasindu Dayananda from Sri Lanka. COAS Cane was awarded to Course Under Officer Muhammad Adnan Munawar of 13th Mujahid Course.
The ISPR said Commandant’s Canes were awarded to Course Under Officer Adil Ali of 66th Integrated Course, Course Sergeant Major Fatima Khalid of the 21st Lady Cadet Course and Course Under Officer Salman Khan of the 6th Basic Military Training Course.
The Army Chief congratulated the passing out cadets and their parents on the successful completion of their training at PMA; the premier training institution.
Earlier on arrival, COAS was received by Commandant PMA. NNI
