Farmane-Ilahi

ISLAMABAD (92 News) Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir on Tuesday pledged to root out terrorism and remove any obstacle to Pakistan’s progress.

Addressing the first Overseas Pakistanis Convention in Islamabad, the COAS said, “Today, I am very impressed by the feelings of Pakistanis living abroad, and I assure you that our feelings for you are even stronger. You are not only the ambassadors of Pakistan, but you are also the light of Pakistan that shines on the entire world.”

He commended the achievements of overseas Pakistanis and said, “Those who create the narrative of brain drain should know that this is not brain drain but brain gain. Overseas Pakistanis are the best example of brain gain. You all have to tell the story of Pakistan to your next generation. The story on the basis of which our ancestors achieved Pakistan.”

The army chief also reiterated the resolve to eliminate terrorism and said, “Do the enemies think that a handful of terrorists can decide the fate of Pakistan? Even 10 generations of terrorists cannot harm Balochistan and Pakistan. Balochistan is the destiny of Pakistan and the crown of our foreheads. As long as the brave people of Pakistan stand together, your army can easily face any challenge.”

He also highlighted Allah’s blessings on Pakistan, stating, “Allah Almighty has blessed Pakistan with immense resources for which we should always be grateful. Today, we are giving a clear message that whatever hinders the progress of Pakistan, we will remove that obstacle together. Whichever country you are in, remember that your legacy is a great society, ideology, and civilization. As Muslims and Pakistanis, we do not panic in the face of adverse situations.”

The COAS also reaffirmed to tackle all challenges facing Pakistan, stating, “We have never bowed down to hardships and difficulties and will never bow down as long as the brave people stand with the armed forces of Pakistan. No one can harm Pakistan. The nation looks at its martyrs with great respect and dignity, and the sacrifice of the martyrs is eternal. We will never let them be disappointed. We want to take Pakistan to the place that the Quaid-e-Azam dreamed of.”

He reiterated that Kashmir has been and will always be the jugular vein of Pakistan, adding that the hearts of Pakistanis always beat with the Muslims of Gaza.

“Pakistan’s journey of development is ongoing. The question is not when Pakistan should develop, but how fast Pakistan should develop,” he emphasised.

At the end of his speech, the army chief and the participants chanted the “Long Live Pakistan” slogans.