Washington: During his visit to the United States, Army Chief Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir delivered a significant address to the Pakistani diaspora, expressing his honor in engaging with overseas Pakistanis.
He praised Pakistanis living abroad as a source of pride and dignity, emphasizing that they are “not a brain drain but a brain gain” for the country. The Army Chief highlighted the enthusiasm and commitment of expatriate Pakistanis toward their homeland.
Field Marshal Munir criticized India’s self-proclaimed image as a global leader, stating that in reality, it does not live up to this claim. He condemned the transnational terrorist activities linked to India’s intelligence agency RAW, citing incidents such as the assassination of a Sikh leader in Canada, the involvement of eight Indian naval officers in Qatar, and the case of Kulbhushan Jadhav as causes for global concern.
He further stated that Pakistan has successfully countered India’s discriminatory and duplicitous policies through diplomatic efforts. The recent Indian aggression, which violated Pakistan’s sovereignty and resulted in civilian casualties, was described as shameful and reckless, bringing the region to the brink of a dangerous conflict. He stressed that any misstep could lead to a large-scale confrontation.
The Army Chief expressed gratitude to former US President Donald Trump, attributing the prevention of a full-scale India-Pakistan war and the mitigation of several ongoing global conflicts to his strategic leadership.
Despite India’s persistent attempts to destabilize the region, Pakistan remains firm in its stance to respond decisively to any aggression. Regarding Kashmir, he reaffirmed that it is not merely an internal issue for India but a significant unfinished international agenda, quoting Quaid-e-Azam’s words that Kashmir is the “jugular vein” of Pakistan. He emphasized Pakistan’s full support for United Nations Security Council resolutions on Kashmir.
He also condemned the ongoing genocide in Gaza, calling it a severe humanitarian tragedy with profound global and regional implications.
The Army Chief highlighted the activity of terrorist groups, including Fitna al-Khawarij, operating from Afghanistan against Pakistan. He stressed that Pakistan’s progress and prosperity are closely linked to the diaspora living worldwide and affirmed that Pakistan stands as the last bastion against terrorism.
He declared zero tolerance for terrorists, warning that they will face justice with full force.
Praising the deep loyalty and connection of overseas Pakistanis to their homeland, he noted that they are often the first to respond to calls for aid during natural disasters.
On social media, Field Marshal Munir cautioned that while it is a powerful tool, hostile elements exploit it to create fabricated chaos. Quoting the Quran, he urged verification of information before taking action to avoid harm and regret.
He remarked on the changing mindset and priorities of the new generation, stressing the importance of understanding these shifts.
Discussing economic prospects, the Army Chief mentioned the expected influx of substantial investment through potential trade agreements with the United States. He highlighted Pakistan’s significant achievements on the international front, with ongoing implementation of Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with the US, Saudi Arabia, UAE, and China to boost economic cooperation and investment.
With 64% of Pakistan’s population comprised of youth brimming with potential, he emphasized their crucial role in building the nation’s future.
