Field Marshal’s Call to Tell Pakistan’s Story

The moral and ethical character of a society is profoundly and irrevocably shaped by its youth. The values they adopt today—such as integrity, tolerance, and compassion—will become the cultural fabric of tomorrow. It is therefore absolutely crucial that young people are guided by positive role models and exposed to constructive influences. Beyond formal education, the entire society—families, institutions, and the media—must contribute to shaping the moral compass of its young citizens. In national defense, the contribution of youth is both historical and ongoing, as they have always been the ones to fill the ranks of those who protect the homeland. Their service extends beyond the military to include community work, disaster relief, and environmental protection, where their idealism makes them natural volunteers and change-makers. In today’s interconnected world, youth also play a vital role as cultural ambassadors, bridging generations and nations. Their global awareness, when grounded in a strong national identity, can foster international cooperation and bring home valuable knowledge, enriching the nation as a whole.

However, the challenges facing youth—such as high rates of unemployment, mental health issues, and a lack of access to quality education—must not be ignored. When young people feel abandoned or powerless, they become vulnerable to negative influences, including extremism, crime, and political manipulation, which can destabilize the entire society. Addressing these issues is not just a moral obligation but a strategic investment in national security and prosperity. Failing to meet the legitimate needs of the youth can lead to widespread unrest, a devastating brain drain, and long-term stagnation. In Pakistan, where the youth constitute a significant majority, their importance is a matter of survival and sovereignty. As the world moves inexorably toward a knowledge-based economy, the countries that invest in their youth are the ones that will lead. The future is built on their backs, and it is imperative that they are given the strength and tools to bear that burden.

One of the most notable and significant developments in Pakistan has been the increasing involvement of its military leadership in youth engagement, reflecting a strategic recognition that a strong nation is not merely fortified by its military might but by its patriotic, educated, and motivated citizens. Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir has emerged as a central figure in this crucial effort, consistently emphasizing the critical role of youth in securing the country’s ideological, economic, and cultural future. Under his steadfast leadership, the military’s focus has expanded well beyond its traditional role of territorial security to include character building and national cohesion. This is not a shift in its core mission but a strategic acknowledgment that the battles of the future will be fought not just with weapons and advanced technology but with narratives and ideas. By engaging directly with students and educators, the military aims to actively counter misinformation, foster a deep sense of national pride, and provide clarity of purpose in an environment where youth are often exposed to a barrage of confusing and divisive narratives. This proactive engagement is a defense strategy for the 21st century.

Field Marshal Munir’s powerful call to “tell the story of Pakistan to the youth” is a profound directive for a national and ideological revival. He views teachers as the greatest asset of Pakistan, entrusting them with the monumental task of reconnecting the younger generation with the nation’s historical and ideological foundations. This story is not a dry collection of dates and events; it is a living narrative of resilience, faith, and sacrifice—from the inspiring vision of Allama Iqbal and the indefatigable leadership of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah to the ongoing struggles for national integrity. By urging educators to share these stories, the Field Marshal is reminding them that they are, in essence, the builders of the nation, shaping the very identity and moral inheritance of future generations. This is considered a strategic necessity in an age of hybrid warfare, where the battle for hearts and minds is just as crucial as the defense of physical borders. A people who do not know their story are a people who can be easily led astray.

The military’s involvement in youth development is also made tangible through practical initiatives that promote skill-building and leadership. By providing robust support for cadet colleges, establishing educational institutions in remote regions, and organizing volunteer programs, the military is actively empowering young people and fostering a sense of national integration. These efforts, particularly in areas like Balochistan and the erstwhile tribal regions of KP, are not only creating opportunities but also bridging historical gaps between the army and civilian populations. By redirecting youthful energy away from destructive influences like extremism and towards constructive nation-building, the military is helping to instill a sense of active, informed, and ethical citizenship. This focus on open communication and the promotion of military officers as relatable role models is particularly important in a society where youth may feel disillusioned by political instability and economic hardship, providing them with a renewed sense of purpose and trust in their national institutions.

Ultimately, the importance of youth for Pakistan’s future is a matter of profound survival and progress. The nation’s strength lies not in its tanks and jets, but in the minds, hearts, and hands of its young generation. They are the innovators, the thinkers, and the defenders of the nation’s highest aspirations. Investing in them is not just a favor; it’s a fundamental necessity. Listening to their concerns is not a courtesy; it’s an act of wisdom. Empowering them is not a gamble; it’s the only viable path forward. Pakistan can only truly thrive if it builds a generation of young people who are not only technically skilled but also ideologically strong and morally grounded. The alliance between the military and the youth is a powerful and deeply promising one, demonstrating a shared and evolving vision that the nation’s future security rests firmly on the strength of its people, their cherished values, and their shared stories. It is only by knowing who they are that they can truly decide where they are going, and this profound realization is the most powerful weapon in the nation’s arsenal, a weapon that, once forged, can never be broken.