Islamabad: General Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff (COAS), delivered a powerful and emotionally resonant speech at the First Overseas Pakistanis Convention in Islamabad. The address paid tribute to the contributions of overseas Pakistanis, reaffirmed the ideological foundations of Pakistan, and outlined the military’s unwavering resolve against terrorism and disinformation.
Overseas Pakistanis: The Ambassadors and Warriors of the Nation
Opening his speech with heartfelt gratitude, General Munir expressed his deep appreciation for the unwavering support shown by overseas Pakistanis toward the Armed Forces. “You are not only ambassadors of Pakistan — you are warriors, you are the light of Pakistan,” he remarked. He acknowledged their economic contributions through remittances and investments and emphasized that these efforts reflect their profound love for the homeland.
Rejecting the common narrative of “brain drain,” the COAS reframed it as a “brain gain,” stating that overseas Pakistanis serve as Pakistan’s finest representatives across the globe. He urged them to proudly own their identity and never forget their roots in a culture and ideology that stands apart from the West — rooted in faith, heritage, and a superior moral structure.
Preserving Pakistan’s Story for Future Generations
In an emotional appeal, General Munir called on overseas Pakistanis to narrate Pakistan’s story to their children. “Tell them how this nation was created — on the basis of faith, customs, and distinct identity,” he emphasized. He reminded the audience that Pakistan is one of only two nations in history founded on the basis of the Kalma (Islamic creed), with the other being the first Islamic state in Madinah.
The Army Chief stressed that the foundation of Pakistan lies in the Two-Nation Theory and the immense sacrifices of forefathers who fought to create a separate homeland. “We know how to create a country, and we certainly know how to defend it,” he declared.
No Terrorist Can Dictate Pakistan’s Destiny
General Munir forcefully rejected the narrative that terrorism and security challenges can block investment or paralyze national progress. He asked critics and fearmongers: “Do you think terrorists can define the destiny of Pakistan? If 1.3 million Indian soldiers couldn’t intimidate us, what makes these few hundred terrorists think they can?”
Referring specifically to the ongoing insurgency in Balochistan, the COAS made it clear that separatist outfits like BLA, BLF, and BRA — regardless of their numbers — cannot snatch Balochistan from Pakistan. “This land is the crown jewel of Pakistan. Not even ten future generations of these terrorists will be able to take it away,” he asserted.
A Salute to the Families of Martyrs
Honoring the families of fallen soldiers, General Munir paid special tribute to the fathers who shoulder their sons’ coffins with pride and the mothers who give their sons for the country’s defense without hesitation. “As long as we have such brave mothers and fathers, Pakistan will never fall,” he said.
He also sent a clear message to those who disrespect the sacrifices of Pakistan’s security institutions: “Anyone who insults our defenders is either a friend of our enemy — or the enemy themselves.”
Strengthening the State and Combating Disinformation
Emphasizing the need for institutional unity, General Munir stated, “Pakistan must be a hard state — one where every department, every institution, functions according to law and the Constitution.”
Turning to the misuse of social media, he quoted from Surah Al-Hujurat, urging Pakistanis to verify news before sharing it. “When someone brings you news, investigate it first. Otherwise, you may unknowingly harm someone and later regret it. That’s not just advice — that’s Quran,” he stressed. He cautioned against the viral nature of unverified messages and the trend of blindly forwarding content without verification.
On Kashmir and Palestine: Pakistan’s Stand is Unshaken
General Munir reaffirmed that Pakistan’s stance on Kashmir is crystal clear. “It was our struggle. It is our struggle. And it will remain our struggle,” he said, declaring firm support for the Kashmiri people in their resistance against Indian occupation.
He also voiced strong solidarity with the people of Gaza and Palestine, stating that Pakistan has always used the strongest diplomatic language possible to support them. “It is no longer a question of whether Pakistan will rise — Pakistan has already started rising,” the Army Chief said with conviction.
Charting the Nation’s Future
In his closing remarks, General Munir inspired confidence in Pakistan’s future. “It’s not about if Pakistan will rise — the question now is how fast, how soon. And it depends on all of you,” he said.
He encouraged unity and resilience in the face of challenges: “Stand before difficulty. Face it. Overcome it. And carve your path toward the destiny that Allah has promised. We will get there, InshaAllah.”
