During the passing-out parade of cadets at Pakistan Air Force (PAF) Asghar Khan Academy in Risalpur, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir emphasized the need for upholding the Constitution. He stated that the military was “well aware” of its constitutional limits and expected others to follow suit. COAS Munir noted that Article 19 of the Constitution “clearly defines the limits of freedom of speech and expression of opinion.” He also pointed out that those who disregard the restrictions imposed on freedom of expression in the Constitution cannot criticize others.
The army chief also praised the PAF for its exemplary service and bravery. He stated that without a strong air force, a country is vulnerable to any aggressor. He lauded the PAF for patrolling the airspace in all kinds of difficulties with “unparalleled bravery and professionalism,” citing the shooting down of Indian aircraft for violating airspace in February 2019 as an excellent example.
He addressed the cadets, saying that they were the “centre of our hopes, the guardian of the skies and the guarantors of regional unity.” COAS Munir expected them to “lead a life adorned with the virtues of character, courage, and competence,” adding that their “conduct would not only be extraordinary for their personal ethics but also for the respected institution.”
COAS Munir emphasized that the military leadership expected the cadets to “always uphold our nation’s best spirit, the professional expertise of the institution, and the eternal tradition of bravery.” He urged them to be like Rashid Minhas, Sarfraz Rafiqui, and M.M. Alam, who presented their services and lives for the protection of the homeland’s dignity.
The army chief highlighted that specific technologies, including artificial intelligence, robotics, and quantum computing, are changing the use of airpower and expanding its scope. He also stated that the arms race posed a risk of disturbing the region’s balance of power.
COAS Munir condemned the ongoing Israeli offensive on Gaza, which has killed more than 34,000 Palestinians, stating that the conflict was the “latest example of the sufferings that wars can bring.” He expressed concern about the indiscriminate killing of elderly people, women, and children in Gaza, stating that it was proof that violence was increasing in the world.
Regarding India-occupied Kashmir, COAS Munir asserted that India had maintained its illegal occupation of the region. He stated that the “silence of the entire world about the ongoing Indian aggression in Kashmir cannot suppress the voice of freedom there.” The army chief pledged that Pakistan would continue to provide “moral, political, and diplomatic support to our Kashmir brothers.”
