Army Chief General Syed Asim Munir has said that the Pakistan Army has fought a protracted war against both internal and external foes and will continue to do so in the future for however long is necessary.
While speaking at the Azadi Parade held at PMA Kakul, General Munir said, "I am here to reassure the people that we, the defenders of Pakistan, will never hesitate to make any sacrifice in preserving our sovereignty and territorial integrity."
"We have the will, aptitude, and competence to overcome all problems, whether they are internal or foreign, as I have mentioned on several occasions. I'm not standing here today to outline the difficulties we face, but to offer our wonderful country a message of optimism," he added.
He said the Pakistan Army would support efforts for both national development and national security as needed.
"The Pakistan Army is proud of its unflinching devotion to the Pakistani people. It is wrong and futile to try to create a rift between the army and the country. The army and nation are one and the same," he added.
He gave the country his congratulations on reaching 76 years of independence. "In addition to the widespread joy on this day, every year the 14th of August offers us a chance to renew our commitment to our motherland's future success through absolute dedication and unwavering resolve. You are all gathered here tonight to celebrate the achievement of "Independence," which was made possible by the foresight of our great leaders and the tenacious labours and sacrifices of our ancestors."
The army chief said that despite the nefarious plans of the adversarial forces—forces of instability and chaos—who are keen to topple Pakistan, the Pakistani Army continues to hold its own against them.
General Munir said, "Let me warn them all in the words of our great Quaid: 'There is no power on earth that can undo Pakistan.' Inshallah! We have battled against both our internal and external adversaries for a long time, and we will continue to do so as long as it is necessary."
General Munir spoke to the people of Kashmir, expressing support for their battle for self-determination and drawing comparisons to Pakistan's struggle for independence.