Army chief General Syed Asim Munir has said that those who flout the clear restrictions imposed on freedom of expression in the Constitution cannot point fingers at others.
The chief of army staff said this while addressing the passing-out parade of Pakistan Air Force cadets at the Asghar Khan Academy in Risalpur as the chief guest. Delivering an inspiring address to the graduating cadets, General Munir said Article 19 of the Constitution clearly defined the limits of freedom of speech and expression of opinion.
He also emphasized the pivotal role the cadets played in safeguarding the nation's skies and upholding regional unity. Addressing the cadets directly, the army reiterated their significance as the centre of hope and the guardians of the skies, highlighting the virtues of character, courage, and competence that they are expected to embody throughout their military careers.
"You are the center of our hopes, the guardian of the skies and the guarantor of regional unity," he said, adding, "Your conduct will be extraordinary not only for your personal ethics, but also for the respected institution."
He further told the cadets they must never hesitate to render sacrifices for the defence, honour, and dignity of the motherland. The military leadership expects you to always uphold the eternal tradition of our nation's best spirit, and the institution's professionalism and bravery."
Furthermore, the COAS underscored the constitutional boundaries of freedom of speech and expression, cautioning against flouting these restrictions while expecting adherence to constitutional principles from all quarters.
"We are well aware of our constitutional limits and expect others to also prioritize compliance with the Constitution,” he stressed.
He also touched upon the implications of the arms race in the region that he said was likely to upset the balance of power, adding that advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence, robotics, and quantum computing, were altering the use of air power as well as expanding its scope.
"Without a strong air force, a country is at the mercy of aggressors," the army chief stressed, adding that the Pakistan Air Force had always lived up to the expectations of the nation.
Reflecting on the valour and professionalism demonstrated by the Pakistan Air Force, General Munir commended their unwavering commitment to duty, citing notable examples such as their courageous actions during the February 2019 conflict.
Additionally, he condemned the indiscriminate violence witnessed in conflicts such as the Gaza war and reiterated Pakistan's unwavering support for the oppressed, particularly in Kashmir. He said Gaza was an example of the suffering that war can bring, adding that the indiscriminate killing of the elderly, women and children in Gaza was proof that violence was increasing in the world.
"Always remember that truth is power, and falsehood can never be powerful," the army chief remarked.
Drawing inspiration from national heroes such as Rashid Minhas, Sarfaraz Rafiqi, and MM Alam, General Munir urged the graduating cadets to remain steadfast in their commitment to the nation and uphold the dignity of Pakistan. He emphasized the importance of remaining loyal to the state and urged teh cadets to emulate the exemplary service and sacrifice of those who came before them.
