The passing-out parade at Pakistan Military Academy Kakul this weekend was not merely a ceremonial occasion; it was a powerful reminder of Pakistan’s enduring military tradition, national resolve, and the sacrifices that have shaped the country’s defence posture since independence. Presiding over the ceremony as chief guest, Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff, delivered an address that carried far-reaching significance in the current national context – a moment when Pakistan stands at a critical juncture in its fight against terrorism and violent extremism.
The event brought together cadets from Pakistan and allied countries including Iraq, Palestine, Qatar, Mali, Nepal, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Yemen, Bangladesh, and Nigeria. This international representation underscored the Academy’s legacy as not only a military training institution but also a centre of international military cooperation. But beyond the pageantry and precision of the parade, the Army Chief’s message was unambiguous: since independence, the Pakistan Armed Forces, backed by the unwavering support of the nation, have safeguarded the homeland against all internal and external threats – and they remain ready to do so again, with full strength and national unity.
The timing of this address is crucial. In recent weeks, Pakistan has witnessed a worrying spike in terrorist incidents, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. Attacks on security personnel in Orakzai and Dera Ismail Khan, in which several soldiers, including officers, embraced martyrdom, have exposed the renewed threat posed by Khawarij militants and their facilitators. In response, the state has sent a clear message: those who enable or harbor terrorists must surrender or face elimination. This decisive posture – articulated by both the political and military leadership – represents a shift away from half-hearted measures of the past toward a more comprehensive and assertive strategy.
The speech at Kakul must therefore be understood as part of a larger national narrative that is being reinforced. The Army Chief’s remarks echo the government’s recent statements emphasizing national unity, unwavering resolve, and the primacy of state authority. Terrorism is no longer being treated as an episodic security challenge, but as an existential threat to Pakistan’s internal stability and future prosperity. For two decades, Pakistan has waged this war at immense human and economic cost – over 90,000 lives lost, including soldiers, civilians, and law enforcement personnel. That sacrifice demands a permanent, structured response.
A major lesson from Pakistan’s counterterrorism experience is that military operations, no matter how successful, cannot alone eliminate the threat if they are not accompanied by political clarity, legal reforms, and the dismantling of financial and ideological support networks. This is where “turning resolve into action” becomes essential. The current national mood, reflected in the sharp tone of official statements, provides a rare moment of alignment between civil and military institutions – a moment that must not be squandered.
This alignment must now translate into tangible steps. First, there must be full implementation of the National Action Plan in its true spirit. Many of its key components – particularly madrassa reforms, countering extremist narratives, improving the criminal justice system, and regulating financial flows – have long remained on paper. Without attacking the root causes of radicalization and closing the loopholes that sustain terror networks, military gains will remain temporary.
Second, the fight must also extend to foreign proxies and cross-border sanctuaries. It is no secret that a number of anti-Pakistan terrorist elements have found safe havens across the border in Afghanistan. Pakistan has repeatedly urged the interim Afghan authorities to fulfill their commitments under the Doha Agreement and ensure their soil is not used against Pakistan. With the recent escalation of attacks, this issue can no longer be left to diplomatic niceties alone. A firm, coordinated approach that combines diplomatic pressure, intelligence sharing, and strict border controls is now indispensable.
Third, domestic political forces must resist the temptation to politicize counterterrorism operations. National security cannot be held hostage to short-term political gains. This is a national war – not of one institution or one government, but of the entire state and society. It requires unity of message, clarity of purpose, and consistent execution. The Prime Minister’s statement and the Army Chief’s address both emphasize this – the line between the state and its enemies is clear, and those who stand with the state must do so unequivocally.
Fourth, the role of society itself cannot be ignored. No counterterrorism strategy can succeed without public cooperation. Terrorist networks thrive in environments of silence, fear, or political division. Communities must remain vigilant, report suspicious activities, and support law enforcement efforts. Religious scholars, civil society, academia, and media also have a responsibility to reject extremist narratives and promote a counter-discourse rooted in unity, tolerance, and national interest.
Finally, this campaign requires sustained momentum. Pakistan has experienced cycles of resolve in the past – from the successful operations in Swat and FATA to the coordinated campaign under the National Action Plan. But over time, political distractions, institutional fatigue, and lack of follow-through have allowed terror groups to regroup and resurface. This time, Pakistan cannot afford another relapse. The threat environment has changed – terrorist networks have access to sophisticated funding, digital propaganda tools, and external support. A fragmented response will not work.
The passing-out parade at Kakul, in essence, symbolized both continuity and resolve. As young officers from Pakistan and allied nations took their oaths, they entered service in an era when the nature of warfare is evolving – no longer just conventional battles but hybrid conflicts, ideological warfare, and asymmetric threats. The Army Chief’s words to them were not just ceremonial congratulations; they were a reminder of the weight of responsibility they now carry.
This moment demands a national consensus that matches the courage of those in uniform. It is not enough to celebrate the bravery of the armed forces; the civilian leadership, institutions, and society must back this resolve with coherent action. Pakistan has the experience, the capability, and above all, the resilience to defeat terrorism once again – but only if resolve is matched by consistent, coordinated, and sustained strategy. This, truly, is a defining moment.
