RAWALPINDI: Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir Wednesday encouraged students to strive for excellence in their academic pursuits and develop skills that would enable them to contribute positively to the country’s progress.
Addressing a gathering of university and college students from across Pakistan here, he praised the youth for their energy, creativity and ability to innovate, stating that they were the future leaders of Pakistan.
Emphasizing the need to imbibe ‘Pakistaniat’, he highlighted the significance of Pakistan’s history, culture and values in the intellectual development of the country’s youth.
He honoured the nation’s sacrifices in the war against terrorism and appreciated their resolute support to the armed forces and law enforcement agencies (LEAs) for maintenance of peace and harmony in the country.
He also shared perspective on the impact of external environment on Pakistan, especially the threat from trans-border terrorism.
Gen Asim said all attempts of anti-state elements to create a gulf between the army and people would be foiled. “We are proud of our religion, civilization and traditions,” he maintained.
He mentioned that the Constitution of Pakistan also started with words that the rule rested only with Allah Almighty.
“Which Deen (religion) and Shariat this Fitna Al Khwarij talks about?” the army chief questioned and maintained that Fitna Al Khwarij would never be allowed to impose its thought on the country.
He noted that the people of Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa stood before terrorism like an iron wall. The COAS highlighted the role of army in safeguarding the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Geo adds: The army chief’s statement came as the country witnessed a surge in violent attacks since the Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan in 2021, particularly in the bordering provinces of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.
The country witnessed a sharp increase in terror attacks in January 2025, surging by 42% compared to the previous month, according to the data released by the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS), a think tank.
The data revealed that at least 74 militant attacks were recorded nationwide, resulting in 91 fatalities, including 35 security personnel, 20 civilians, and 36 militants. Another 117 individuals sustained injuries, including 53 security forces personnel, 54 civilians and 10 militants.
KP remained the worst-affected province, followed by Balochistan.
In KP’s settled districts, militants carried out 27 attacks, resulting in 19 fatalities, including 11 security personnel, six civilians and two militants.
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