General Syed Asim Munir Calls for Unity and Governance Reforms in National Security Address - Faith & Freedom News

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan — In a pivotal address to the Parliamentary Committee on National Security, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir emphasized the critical importance of national security, urging for unity and decisive governance reforms to ensure Pakistan’s stability and sovereignty. His remarks come amid rising incidents of terrorism and ongoing security challenges facing the nation.

During the in-camera meeting, which was convened by National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq on the advice of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, General Munir underscored that no agenda, movement, or individual is greater than the security of the country. “This is a battle for our survival and that of our future generations,” he stated, highlighting the necessity of transforming Pakistan into a ‘hard state’ to effectively counter persistent security challenges.

A Call for Better Governance

General Munir questioned the current state of governance, asking, “How long will we continue sacrificing countless lives under the framework of a ‘soft state’?” He stressed that governance gaps cannot continue to be filled with the sacrifices of the Pakistan Armed Forces and the blood of martyrs. His call for improved governance reflects a broader recognition that effective state mechanisms are essential for sustainable stability.

The army chief also urged religious scholars to counter the distorted interpretations of Islam propagated by extremist groups, particularly the Khawarij. He asserted, “If this country exists, we exist; therefore, nothing is more important than its security.”

Unified Stance Against Terrorism

General Munir called for a unified national stance against terrorism, stating that political and personal interests must be set aside to ensure Pakistan’s protection. He declared, “Those who believe they can weaken Pakistan through terrorism should take today’s message: we are united and will not only defeat them but also all their facilitators.”

Expressing confidence in Pakistan’s resilience, he reaffirmed faith in divine support, stating, “We have full trust in Allah Almighty; no matter what happens, inshaAllah, we will emerge victorious.”

Parliamentary Committee’s Resolution

The meeting, attended by key figures including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Director General of Inter-Services Intelligence (DG ISI) Lieutenant General Asim Malik, and chief ministers from all four provinces, resulted in a strong resolution to deal with terrorist groups with an “iron hand.” The committee condemned recent incidents of terrorism, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, and expressed solidarity with affected families.

The committee emphasized the need for a consensus and unified political commitment to combat terrorism with full force. It reiterated the importance of implementing the National Action Plan (NAP) and the strategy of Operation Azm-e-Istehkam to dismantle terrorist networks and disrupt their logistical support.

Addressing the Digital Threat

In light of the increasing misuse of social media by terrorist groups for propaganda and recruitment, the committee called for the formulation of a mechanism to tackle the digital networks of terrorists. The participants expressed unwavering support for Pakistan’s armed forces and law enforcement agencies, acknowledging their sacrifices in the fight against terrorism.

Political Polarization and Opposition Boycott

The meeting took place against a backdrop of political polarization, as several key opposition figures, including members of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), boycotted the session. The PTI had demanded a meeting with its imprisoned founder, Imran Khan, which was not granted. General Munir took a veiled swipe at the opposition’s decision to skip the meeting, stating, “There is no agenda greater than the security of the country.”

Despite the absence of some opposition members, the army reiterated that political forces remain committed to national security. The committee emphasized that no institution, individual, or group colluding with enemy forces would be allowed to harm Pakistan’s peace and stability.

Conclusion

As Pakistan grapples with escalating security challenges, General Munir’s address serves as a clarion call for unity, effective governance, and a collective commitment to national security. The military’s resolve, coupled with the parliamentary committee’s emphasis on a unified approach, underscores the urgent need for concerted efforts to combat terrorism and ensure the safety and stability of the nation.