ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Chief of Defense Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir on Wednesday said the country “confronts and eliminates the enemy openly, not from the shadows,” while addressing the National Scholars and Sufi Saints Conference in Islamabad, according to a statement issued by Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
“We do not strike from the shadows; we confront and eliminate the enemy openly,” he said, stressing that terrorism “is not Pakistan’s problem but India’s.”
“In the battle of truth, we achieved victory with the help of Allah,” the field marshal added.
Highlighting the role of religious leaders, he said the Ulema must “keep the nation united” and help broaden the country’s vision.
He warned that nations distancing themselves from learning risk internal division, stating: “Any nation that abandons knowledge and the pen becomes vulnerable to discord and corruption.”
“Honor and strength are not gained through division, but through hard work and knowledge,” he emphasized.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also addressed the conference, echoing the field marshal’s call for unity.
In remarks shared on his official Facebook page, the prime minister said the “entire world was astonished” by Pakistan’s victory over India, adding that friendly states consider it “their own victory” and are honoring Pakistan.
“It is our collective responsibility to defend the army that has sacrificed its blood for the defense of Pakistan and inflicted a defeat on the eternal enemy, one it will remember until the end of time,” he said.
PM Sharif said Pakistan’s progress depends on national cohesion and continued sacrifice. “Our elders migrated for this country and made countless sacrifices. The entire nation must stand united on national matters,” he said.
Commenting on economic recovery, he noted that Pakistan’s economy is “rapidly moving toward growth” and credited joint political-military efforts with preventing bankruptcy.
Warning that development and terrorism cannot be fought simultaneously, he said, “If this country is to progress, eliminating terrorism is absolutely essential.”
