The army is well aware of its constitutional limits and expects others to prioritise upholding the Constitution as well, Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir said on Thursday. “Those who blatantly disregard these limitations cannot point fingers at others,” he said while addressing the passing out parade of the Pakistan Air Force. “Article 19 of the Constitution clearly defines the boundaries of freedom of expression.” The army chief acknowledged the evolving landscape of aerial warfare, driven by advancements in artificial intelligence, robotics, and quantum computing. He emphasised the crucial role of a strong air force in safeguarding a nation’s sovereignty, highlighting the PAF’s fulfilment of the nation’s expectations. He cited the February 2019 incident as a “prime example” of the air force’s bravery and professionalism in protecting the nation’s airspace amidst challenges. While drawing attention to the ongoing conflict in Gaza, the army chief lamented the indiscriminate killing of civilians as evidence of increasing global violence. He also addressed the Kashmir issue, condemning India’s illegal occupation and emphasising that the world’s silence cannot suppress the resounding calls for freedom in the occupied region.

He reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering moral, political, and diplomatic support for the Kashmiri people. The army chief lauded the cadets as “the centre of our hopes, guardians of the skies, and guarantors of regional solidarity.” He emphasised the expectation for them to lead lives characterised by “character, courage, and competence,” setting an exemplary standard not only for themselves but also for the esteemed institution they represent. PAF Risalpur Academy The Pakistan Air Force Academy Asghar Khan is an accredited three-year military academy that provides undergraduate education to officer candidates for the Pakistan Air Force (PAF). The academy was created in 1910 and was a former airfield of the Royal Flying Corps and later the Royal Air Force. It officially became the airfield of the PAF on 15 August 1947. On 13 April 1948, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah elevated the school’s status to that of a flying college. On 21 January 1967, the college was upgraded to the status of an academy by former president Ayub Khan.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan