RAWALPINDI: Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir on Thursday underscored the pivotal role of teachers in nation-building, calling them the country’s greatest asset and the key to shaping the character of future generations.
Speaking during an interaction with vice chancellors, principals, and senior faculty members from various universities, the Army Chief said: “Teachers are the biggest asset of Pakistan. Whatever I am today, I am because of my parents and teachers.”
Field Marshal Asim Munir emphasised that the responsibility of developing future leaders and responsible citizens rests on the shoulders of educators.
“You (teachers) have to tell the story of Pakistan to your next generations,” he said, adding that in the fight for truth, divine support has always helped Pakistan. “In the fight for truth, Allah Almighty helped Pakistan in every way.”
The Chief of Army Staff emphasised the importance of national unity as the foundation of a strong and resilient Pakistan. “The fight for truth is proof that when the entire nation stands united like an iron wall, no power in the world can tear it down.”
Pakistan’s support for people of Kashmir
Field Marshal Asim Munir reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering stance on the Kashmir dispute. “No deal for Kashmir is possible. We can never forget the people of Kashmir,” he said, stressing that India should be clear that Pakistan will never abandon its support for the people of Kashmir. “India should know that Pakistan will never leave Kashmir.”
The Chief of Army Staff slammed India’s attempts to suppress the Kashmir dispute, stating that it is no longer possible to deny the Kashmiri people their right to self-determination. “India has tried to suppress the Kashmir issue for decades but it has failed, now it is no longer possible.”
‘Water is Pakistan’s red line’
On the Indus Waters Treaty, which is vital for Pakistan’s agricultural and domestic water needs, the Field Marshal warned against any Indian attempts to politicise or weaponise water.
“Water is Pakistan’s red line. This fundamental right of 240 million Pakistanis will not be allowed to be violated,” the Chief of Army Staff said, asserting that Pakistan would not accept any attempt at regional hegemony.
‘Fitna-ul-Hindustan’
Commenting on India’s role in regional instability, the Army Chief labelled terrorists operating in Balochistan as “Fitna-ul-Hindustan,” distancing them from the Baloch community.
“Terrorists in Balochistan are Fitna-ul-Hindustan, they have no connection with the Baloch people,” the Chief of Army Staff maintained.
He also dismissed Indian allegations of cross-border terrorism, stating that terrorism is India’s internal issue fuelled by rising intolerance and oppression, especially against Muslims.
Kashmir is global issue
“Kashmir is a global issue, not an internal matter. India has failed to suppress it for decades, and it is now no longer possible,” Field Marshal Asim Munir said.
Field Marshal Munir further called for institutional harmony and adherence to constitutional governance. “We must build a strong Pakistan where all institutions work for the welfare of the people according to the law, under the constitution, free from political pressure, financial interests, or personal agendas,” Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir said.
He urged citizens to reject any narrative that seeks to undermine the state or weaken national unity.
Participants of the event expressed pride in the armed forces and pledged continued support for Pakistan’s sovereignty and integrity.
