What We Mean by Pakistan…!
General Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff (COAS), addressed the Pakistan Military Academy on the night of the independence anniversary, vividly outlining the current threats Pakistan faces and reaffirming the resolve to thwart these challenges. He stated, “Indeed, we know that freedom is not 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 or allow anyone to cast an evil eye on this great country.”
This was not a political statement but an expression of the multifaceted threats the Pakistani nation is combating. Some of these threats are in the physical domain, like terrorism. Still, a much more sinister threat is posed to the very foundation of Pakistan—its creation and especially its security institutions. In this context, it is crucial to understand the significance of Pakistan and why safeguarding its foundation is a critical national imperative.
There are around 193 independent states in the world, but only one was created not on an ethnic or linguistic basis; the root of its creation lies in divine ideals. That nation-state is none other than Pakistan—a country that embodies a unique political idea. Quaid-e-Azam, in an interview with Reuters correspondent Duncan Hooper on October 25, 1947 (published by Oxford University Press), stated that the “Two-Nation Theory” is not a theory but a fact. Similarly, the first Prime Minister of Pakistan, Liaquat Ali Khan, during his visit to the US in 1950, articulated Pakistan’s ideological basis in a speech:
“This is not a new ideology. It is a body of faith, tradition, and belief, which has been a part of man’s heritage for over thirteen hundred years. We believe that this ideology, when applied to statecraft and the conduct of human affairs, is bound to promote human welfare. Let me tell you in a few simple and clear words what it is.”
As we celebrate the 76th anniversary of independence, we observe that the masses have forgotten these great ideals, which once formed the basis of Pakistan. Unfortunately, over the past 76 years, the people of this country have been misled by false narratives and hollow slogans. The simple fact that they have forgotten what Pakistan was meant to be by the founding fathers has trapped them in a vicious cycle.
The masses, particularly the Pakistani youth, have strayed from the idea of Pakistan, thus continually falling for the empty promises of the political elite. At a time when the motherland is surrounded by countless internal and external challenges, signs of division, dejection, and frustration are evident. Some are exploiting this frustration to advance their political interests, not realizing that their actions could cause existential damage to Pakistan. This greed for power already divided Pakistan in 1971. The ensuing political instability is further complicating matters, and the entire political discourse has become confused. This has created a perfect situation for hostile forces to exploit linguistic and ethnic fault lines. The country has been the target of a ruthless hybrid war for more than two decades. The Pakistan Army has made countless sacrifices, many times more than during the four regular wars against India, and is still facing a menacing campaign on social media, where the line between enemy combatants and social media critics has virtually disappeared. The anonymity offered by social media platforms provides perfect cover for all sinister forces.
While the Pakistan Army continues to fight in the physical domain, it is now preparing to combat this digital terrorism sponsored by hostile forces, as mentioned by COAS Gen. Asim Munir during his speech on Independence Day at PMA Kakul. While cautioning against the threats of digital terrorism, he also emphasized the rationale behind the comprehensive anti-terror mission of the Pakistan Army, called ‘Azm-e-Istehkam.’ He stated unequivocally that the phenomenon of digital terrorism is foreign-sponsored. His statement demands retrospection as a nation. If foreign hostile entities want to sow seeds of despondency, hatred, and discord, why is our youth falling for such tactics? Don’t they know how it will destroy their future?
COAS, while quoting Surah Al-Hujurat, stressed the importance of investigating and verifying information to prevent causing consternation among the people. He reminded the nation that while the Constitution allows for freedom of speech, it also contains clear limits on 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.”
Astonishingly, COAS had to warn about such threats while the political elite of the country remains completely oblivious to their constitutional duty of safeguarding Pakistan’s interests—and what interest is more significant than national security? Preparing the nation against the threat of false news, misinformation, and anarchy through digital platforms is not the constitutional role of the Pakistan Army. Yet, when no one else is willing to safeguard the nation, there is no option but to go beyond the call of duty.
It is high time that the Pakistani nation rallies behind the idea of Pakistan and starts believing in it to its core. Nations that forget their history are forgotten by history!
— Shahzad Masood Roomi
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