The recent decision of the Pakistan government to have promoted Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Syed Asim Munir, from general to the five-star rank of Field Marshal in recognition of exemplary leadership while responding to India’s Operation Sindoor and bringing great honour to the motherland is well and truly a just reward for the services rendered at probably the most critical juncture in the country’s history. He thoroughly deserved the honour.
Pakistan has faced quite a few serious challenges and threats during its existence for almost 77 years now, but none seemed to match the ones encountered in the recent past. The current leadership, both civil and military, has had to surmount pressures of all kinds from different directions to keep the nation united and motivated.
Talking about motivation, hardly any leader ever, civil or military, had delivered such a magnificent speech as the one by the COAS to the participants of the Overseas Pakistanis Convention in Islamabad on April 15, 2025. It was much beyond just a motivational address. It reflected the steely resolve and clarity of thought.
COAS Asim Munir’s incredible speech sent a powerful array of messages to multiple audiences, including known enemies and internal forces. It was an unapologetically nationalistic address which must have shattered the confidence of his detractors. Every word of his made it clear to all concerned that he likes to lead from the front and he is prepared to meet all kind of challenges and threats.
The impact of his wonderful speech was not limited to the august gathering of the Pakistani diaspora from around 60 countries, who were in attendance. Its messages travelled far and wide. His conviction, wisdom, courage and fortitude were found exemplary.
Every statement of his was filled with national pride, ideological reinforcement, military assertiveness, and emotional outreach. It was a reaffirmation for the patriots. His boldness also served as stern warning to those who have other agendas.
Very rightly, he expressed gratitude and admiration for overseas Pakistanis, describing them as the ambassadors of Pakistan globally. It was quite a compliment and such an acknowledgement is going to further boost their morale.
COAS Asim Munir recognized their contribution and felt that it was brain gain rather than brain drain, having them prove their mettle in different parts of the world, living away from homeland. He clearly mocked the defeatist narrative that painted migration as national loss rather than strategic spread.
He urged the expatriates to stay ideologically connected and preserve their identity as Pakistanis, besides passing on the country’s story to future generations.
He reminded of the Pakistan’s ideological foundation of Islam and the two-nation theory. He evoked to the Pakistanis, having relocated abroad, that despite living in foreign cultures, they should not lose sight of the fact that they belonged to a superior culture and ideology.
One of the most significant segments of his speech was the security landscape and the military’s central role in defining and defending the national narrative. Dismissing
concerns over terrorism undermining investment, he reaffirming the strength and resolve of the armed forces.
He forcefully declared that Pakistan’s destiny could not be hijacked by a few militants or their handlers. The manner in which he condemned and ridiculed the terrorist groups in Balochistan sent a clear message that anti-Pakistan elements stood no chance against the will of the state and its people. He praised the sacrifices of soldiers and their families, and positioned them as proof of the Pakistani nation’s resilience.
He did not mince words in stating that Pakistan had already started rising and the question was how fast it will continue to rise. Calling for unity, resilience, and national pride across generations, he reinforced the idea that Pakistan is not just a country but a divine piece of land.
The COAS earned tremendous applause from the audience when he talked about the evils of misinformation and slow poisoning of public opinion being attempted through social media. He blasted ‘forwarded as received’ practice, urging people to investigate the matter thoroughly instead. He referred to the Holy Quran’s verses regarding checking facts of unverified information.
The army chief reiterated and uncompromising stance on Kashmir, calling it the country’s past, present, and future jugular vein, which Pakistan would never forget or abandon. He adopted a tone of solidarity and pride while talking about Palestinians. In both cases, he gave a clear message that Pakistan stands with the oppressed and without fear of consequences.
Just a few weeks after the historic speech, which is still being talked about with awe, Pakistan was confronted with India’s Operation Sindoor and his inspirational leadership skills brought glories to the country. He proved once more that he likes to lead from the front. Hats off to him for devising and strategizing a plan with such precision that the enemy was forced to regret its misadventure within a matter of four days. It’s universally accepted narrative that the Indians had persuaded the Americans to broker the ceasefire deal which Pakistan accepted
He forcefully declared that Pakistan’s destiny could not be hijacked by a few militants or their handlers. The manner in which he condemned and ridiculed the terrorist groups in Balochistan sent a clear message that anti-Pakistan elements stood no chance against the will of the state and its people. He praised the sacrifices of soldiers and their families, and positioned them as proof of the Pakistani nation’s resilience.
He did not mince words in stating that Pakistan had already started rising and the question was how fast it will continue to rise. Calling for unity, resilience, and national pride across generations, he reinforced the idea that Pakistan is not just a country but a divine piece of land.
The COAS earned tremendous applause from the audience when he talked about the evils of misinformation and slow poisoning of public opinion being attempted through social media. He blasted ‘forwarded as received’ practice, urging people to investigate the matter thoroughly instead. He referred to the Holy Quran’s verses regarding checking facts of unverified information.
The army chief reiterated and uncompromising stance on Kashmir, calling it the country’s past, present, and future jugular vein, which Pakistan would never forget or abandon. He adopted a tone of solidarity and pride while talking about Palestinians. In both cases, he gave a clear message that Pakistan stands with the oppressed and without fear of consequences.
Just a few weeks after the historic speech, which is still being talked about with awe, Pakistan was confronted with India’s Operation Sindoor and his inspirational leadership skills brought glories to the country. He proved once more that he likes to lead from the front. Hats off to him for devising and strategizing a plan with such precision that the enemy was forced to regret its misadventure within a matter of four days. It’s universally accepted narrative that the Indians had persuaded the Americans to broker the ceasefire deal which Pakistan accepted
