Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff, has strongly criticised India’s characterization of the Kashmiri freedom movement as terrorism, asserting that it is in fact a legitimate, internationally recognised struggle for self-determination.
Speaking at the commissioning parade of the 123rd Midshipmen and 31st Short Service Commission Course at the Pakistan Naval Academy in Karachi, the army chief said, “What India labels as terrorism is, in fact, a legal and internationally acknowledged fight for freedom.” He urged the Pakistani nation to remember the enduring sacrifices made by the Kashmiri people resisting India’s “illegal occupation” of Jammu and Kashmir.
He further accused India of deliberately raising regional tensions as Pakistan makes headway in eradicating terrorism from its soil. “Pakistan will take the fight against terrorism to its logical conclusion and eliminate this menace once and for all,” Munir said.
Reaffirming Pakistan’s traditional stance, he called for a peaceful and just resolution to the Kashmir issue in line with United Nations resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people. He paid tribute to the martyrs of Indian-occupied Kashmir and saluted those who continue the struggle, stating that “India’s oppressive tactics cannot break the will of the Kashmiri people.”
Pakistan, he assured, will continue to provide unwavering political, diplomatic, and moral support to the Kashmiri cause. Quoting the Quranic verse from Surah Al-Imran — “They plotted, and Allah also planned, and Allah is the best of planners” — the army chief reminded the international community that peace in South Asia hinges on a fair resolution of the Kashmir dispute.
Munir also pointed to broader efforts by hostile forces to impede Pakistan’s progress, yet remained optimistic: “Despite challenges, Pakistan is steadily advancing toward a brighter, more prosperous future.”
Commissioning Parade: Showcasing Naval Excellence and International Cooperation
The event marked the formal commissioning of 127 midshipmen — including 19 from Bahrain, four from Iraq, and two from Palestine — along with 23 Short Service Commission cadets. The parade, steeped in naval tradition, was attended by dignitaries, senior military officers, and the families of cadets.
Upon arrival, Field Marshal Munir was welcomed by Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf. In his address, the army chief praised the Pakistan Naval Academy for its high standards of training and its growing role in strengthening ties with allied nations, noting the participation of cadets from Bahrain, Iraq, Palestine, Djibouti, and Türkiye as testament to its global standing.
He commended the Pakistan Navy for its professionalism and vital role in securing maritime trade routes and regional sea lines of communication. Referring to recent geopolitical tensions, Munir highlighted the swift and decisive response of Pakistan’s armed forces during Operation Bunyanum Marsoos, emphasizing the nation’s readiness to defend its sovereignty against a numerically superior adversary.
Honours and Recognition
The ceremony concluded with the distribution of awards to distinguished cadets:
- Sword of Honour: Midshipman Abdul Rehman
- Academy Dirk: Midshipman Shayan Hashmat
- CJCSC Gold Medal: Officer Cadet Muhammad Uzair Abbas
- Commandant’s Gold Medal: Officer Cadet Chaudhry Muhammad Aizaz Tahir (SSC Course)
- Proficiency Banner: Quarterdeck Squadron
Commandant Commodore Tasawwar Iqbal, in his address, emphasised the academy’s role in shaping future naval officers with unwavering faith, integrity, and a commitment to national service.
The ceremony underscored both Pakistan’s military readiness and its enduring commitment to regional peace, framed against the backdrop of unresolved tensions in Kashmir and broader regional dynamics.
