Pakistan Will Defend Its Sovereignty Without Limits, Says COAS

KARACHI: Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir has strongly criticized India for its acts of unprovoked aggression against Pakistan, warning that any assumption of Pakistani restraint in the face of future violations of its sovereignty is a “dangerous misreading of its strategic fundamentals.”

“While we continue to steadily and surely build our comprehensive national power, any adversary acting under the illusion of strategic impunity or misjudging Pakistan’s resolve will be met with a swift and befitting response,” he said during his address at the Pakistan Naval Academy’s passing-out ceremony.

The ceremony started an impeccably turned-out naval contingent presenting a salute, and COAS later inspected the formations. Addressing the graduating cadets, the country’s top general commended them on their successful completion of training and applauded their dedication, discipline, and determination.

In recognition of outstanding achievements, awards were distributed among high-performing cadets. Cadet Abdul Rahman received the coveted Sword of Honor, the highest accolade awarded for exemplary performance during training.

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The event was attended by senior officials from the military and civil sectors, along with the proud families of the cadets and other distinguished guests. The parade reflected the Pakistan Navy’s commitment to producing professionally competent and patriotic officers.

Demonstrating their skills, precision, and unwavering spirit, the cadets left a lasting impression on all in attendance, reaffirming the Navy’s tradition of excellence and valor.

Last month, Pakistan and India engaged in the heaviest fighting in decades between each other in decades, which was sparked by an April 22 attack in Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir that killed 26 people. New Delhi blamed “terrorists” backed by Pakistan, a charge Islamabad denies.

India launched unprovoked attacks on Pakistan, martyring more than 50 — including security personnel. In response, Pakistan also took down multiple Indian jets and attacked military installations.

Following Pakistan’s response, the United States mediated and was able to stop the fighting.

Addressing the ceremony, the army chief noted that India tends to exploit so-called strategic relevance, hubristic mindset, and military capacitation for adventurism aimed at political gains.

“In recent years, under the pretext of counterterrorism, India’s political leadership — marked by a troubling absence of strategic foresight — has twice undertaken acts of unprovoked aggression against Pakistan,” he said, while referring to Indian aggressions after 2019 Palwama attack and the recent Pahalgam attack.

On both occasions, he said, India’s recklessness was met with Pakistan’s resolute response, which not only preserved national honour but also averted a dangerous, broader regional escalation.

“Pakistan, despite grave provocations, acted with restraint and maturity and demonstrated its commitment to regional peace and stability, which has led to Pakistan’s role as net regional stabiliser,” he added.

Furthermore, he said, the onus of an ensuing escalation — one that may ultimately bear catastrophic consequences for the entire region — will squarely lie with the aggressor.

“Pakistan will protect its sovereignty and core national interest decisively and without hesitation,” the field marshal said, adding that the success of “multi-domain operations of Marka-e-Haq” shall never recite from the Indian memory.

He also reiterated Pakistan armed forces’ unwavering resolve to defend the motherland at all costs, saying that any attempts by India to divert attention from Pakistan’s progress in counter-terrorism will not succeed.

The COAS pointed out that strategic distractions orchestrated by India occur whenever Pakistan is on the verge of turning the tide decisively against terrorism. “Such adversities have only strengthened our national resolve,” he added.

He also reaffirmed the armed forces’ commitment to eradicating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, vowing to take the fight to its logical conclusion.

Reiterating Pakistan’s longstanding position on the Kashmir dispute, he said: “We continue to stand firmly with the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) in their just struggle for the right to self-determination, in accordance with United Nations Security Council resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.”

Refuting Indian claims that equate the Kashmiri resistance with terrorism, he said that the ongoing struggle in IIOJK is a legitimate freedom movement, as recognised by international law and conventions.

“Those who have tried to suppress the Kashmiri people’s will and pursue conflict elimination instead of resolution have only made the movement more relevant through their own actions,” he added.

Despite persistent efforts by adversaries to hinder Pakistan’s progress, he added that the country remains on its path to development and prosperity. “Our glorious past is a source of pride, and our future holds the promise of fulfilling Pakistan’s manifest destiny,” he concluded.