ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff (COAS), General Asim Munir, on Friday, emphasized that the people of Pakistan were the source of power, and their opinion was evident in the form of the parliament and the constitution.
While addressing an in-camera session of the National Assembly (NA), the COAS congratulated the National Assembly on the completion of fifty years of the successful promulgation of the 1973 Constitution.
COAS Munir said that the parliament and the constitution reflected the people’s opinion, adding that sovereignty belonged to Allah.
The army chief said that the elected representatives would use constitutional power. He also paid tribute to those leaders who promulgated the 1973 Constitution.
The COAS’s emphasis on public opinion and the constitution underscores the importance of democracy and civilian institutions in Pakistan. It also reflects the army’s commitment to supporting the elected representatives in the country and the need to work together to achieve the country’s goals.
COAS Munir also stated that the army was not about to launch a new military operation, but it was a reflection of the people’s unflinching trust in the army. He added that there were no more no-go areas in the country.
COAS Munir’s comments come amidst rising concerns over terrorism in Pakistan and a recent decision by the National Security Committee to kickstart an all-out comprehensive military operation against militant groups to eliminate the menace of terrorism from the country.
The Army Chief said that negotiations with militant groups in the past helped terrorists regroup in the country. The COAS’s comments were reflective of the National Security Committee’s (NSC) meeting held last week, in which the military and civil top brass decided that the recent wave of terrorism was a result of a reckless policy and soft corner for the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
The COAS reiterated that the security forces would reestablish permanent peace in the country and that intelligence-based operations were conducted on a daily basis.
COAS said military operation part of approved strategy
The COAS said the military operation was part of an already “approved and ongoing strategy talks and development.”
The COAS said the campaign would not only include security agencies’ representation but also government departments. “This is not a new military operation but an entire national approach.”
“Alhamdulillah, there is no no-go area in the country at this time. A large number of martyrs sacrificed their lives for the success of the campaign. They shed their blood for the sake of the country,” he said.
The Army Chief added that terrorists have no other option but to accept the writ of the state.
“We should leave the ongoing discussion of old and new Pakistan and talk about our Pakistan from now onward. Pakistan has no shortage of manpower and resources,” the COAS said.
“Elected representatives of the people should decide the destination of the nation. He said that Pakistan Army would fully support the country in its journey of success and development.
Members of the National Assembly welcomed the COAS’s ideas by banging the desk and clapping. Apart from the army chief, according to sources, senior members of the military also gave a detailed overview of the current situation to the members.
COAS Asim Munir and Director General Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) Lt Gen Nadeem Anjum briefed the session regarding the current security situation in the country.
Prime Minister Mohammad Shehbaz Sharif paid tribute to the army, police, and rangers for their sacrifices in the war against terror. He added that the peace reinstated by martyrs’ sacrifices was wasted in four years.
The Prime Minister questioned where the amount earmarked for anti-terrorism was spent. PM Shehbaz also brought funds released by all provinces for FATA reforms into question.
The Prime Minister resolved to seek answers to funds allocated to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa for security.
The decision to launch an all-out comprehensive military operation against militant outfits is a crucial one, as Pakistan has been battling terrorism for years. The rise in terrorist activities has led to a loss of precious lives and has hurt the country’s economy. It remains to be seen how successful the operation will be, but the army chief’s words suggest that the security forces are committed to bringing peace to the country.
