Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Asim Munir has hailed the victory of Pakistan in May-conflict with India.
The COAS, however, cautioned New Delhi against any future escalation in a nuclear environment.
He was addressing passing out parade at the Pakistan Military Academy (PMA) in Kakul on Saturday.
“I caution and advise Indian military leadership that there is no space for war in a nuclearized environment.”
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has frequently voiced war rhetoric while addressing public gatherings across different parts of the country during the election campaign. Analysts have linked Modi’s aggressive tone to state elections, saying Modi is trying to win voters’ support through a populist approach. The Indian military leadership has also issued similar statements in past couple of months. Both countries entered into a mutual conflict in May, which eventually ended following mediation by U.S. President Donald Trump.
COAS Munir called India to settle issues as per international norms. He warned: “Pak Army will never be intimidated not coerced by your [Indian] rhetoric. We will respond decisively to even a minor provocation without any qualms.”
He said Pakistan armed forces has defended the country’s external and internal frontiers since its creation. “We will always defend the homeland with resolve, conviction and pride and with the support of the nation.”
He referred to the May conflict and said the armed forces won the trust of the nation during Marka-i-Haq Operation Bunyanum Marsoos.
Filed Marshal said that armed forces displayed its skills and abilities by downing advanced Rafales, targeting multiple bases including S-400s during four-day conflict with India.
People of Pakistan, he said, stood firm with the armed forces during the conflict. “People displayed spirit of patriotism and national fervour and stood with Pak Army like a wall of steel.”
The COAS further added that Pakistan won the international admiration by securing victory against numerically superior opponent.
COAS Asim Minir extended greetings and appreciation to the young officers who completed their training at Kakul. He praised their professionalism and discipline.
