Islamabad: Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir has urged lawmakers to focus on “Our Pakistan” instead of on debate over ‘Naya’ or ‘Purana’ Pakistan. He expressed these remarks during an in-camera meeting on national security situation held in National Assembly hall.

“Pakistan has no dearth of resources and manpower,” Army Chief remarked. He said that elected representatives of people should determine country’s destination and that Army would fully support them in journey towards Pakistan’s development and success. According to sources, members of National Assembly welcomed Army Chief’s views by clapping and General Munir extended congratulations to Parliament and its members on 50th anniversary of implementation of 1973 Constitution.

COAS emphasised that people of Pakistan are “Centre of gravity” and that Constitution of Pakistan and Parliament are reflection of their opinions. “People express their opinion through Constitution and Parliament,” he maintained. He also noted that sovereignty belongs to Allah Almighty and Constitution has been empowered by order of Allah. Army Chief said there are no longer any no-go areas in Pakistan, thanks to sacrifices of many martyrs and ghazis who shed their blood for country. COAS Gen Asim Munir said that people of Pakistan were source of power and their opinion was evident in form of Constitution and Parliament. He congratulated lower house of Parliament on completion of fifty years of promulgation of 1973 Constitution.

COAS Munir said that Parliament and Constitution reflected people’s opinion adding that people showed it through Constitution and Parliament. “Sovereignty belongs to Allah and He has vested power in Constitution,” he added. He asserted that terrorists have no other option but to accept state’s writ. He also expressed disappointment at outcome of negotiations with terrorists as it resulted in further groupings of such elements. General Munir said that security forces are prepared to maintain peace in country and are conducting intelligence-based operations on daily basis to achieve this goal.

Attendees of meeting included Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, DG ISI, DG Military Operations, Punjab Chief Secretary and inspectors-general of police from all four provinces, as well as other high-ranking officials.

Published in The Daily National Courier, April, 15 2023

Like Business on Facebook, follow @DailyNCourier on Twitter to stay informed and join in the conversation.