Army Chief General Asim Munir has drawn attention to the plight of the Kashmiris in Indian Illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, whose efforts to free themselves from the yoke of Indian oppression will never be forgotten. In a wide-ranging speech at a parade held to mark Independence Day at the Pakistan Military Academy in Kakul, the army chief said, "We stand rock solid with them in their struggle for their indelible right to self-determination... and reassure our full political, diplomatic support to the valiant people of Kashmir." He called attention to the reality of the horrendous genocide being perpetrated against the people of Gaza, saying it was a blemish on the world's conscience that Pakistan would continue to oppose at every forum in the world.

Quoting a verse from Surah Al Hujurat, Gen Munir stressed the importance of investigating and verifying information so as not to cause consternation among the people. He also said that while the Constitution allows for freedom of speech, it also contains clear limits to what constitutes free speech. "To the inimical forces, let it be clear; that regardless of the multilayered and multidimensional threats piled up against us, we stand united and reassured. Traditional or non-traditional, dynamic or proactive, whatever form of warfare is applied against us, our retribution will be sharp and painful, and we will certainly strike back. "For indeed, we know that freedom is not for free; it costs many great sons and daughters, and we are always ready for that. I have full faith and confidence that the people of Pakistan and its security forces will never relent and let anyone cast an evil eye on this great country," he said.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan