RAWALPINDI: Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Gen Asim Munir said on Wednesday that Pakistan has fought three wars (with India) for Kashmir and “we are ready to fight 10 more wars if the need arises.”
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Gen Asim Munir visited Muzaffarabad, where he paid tribute to the sacrifices of the martyrs. He visited the Jammu and Kashmir Memorial and laid a floral wreath in their honour. He acknowledged the unparalleled sacrifices of the martyrs.
The army chief praised the unwavering dedication, professional excellence, and combat readiness of officers and soldiers deployed in the challenging operational environment along the Kashmir border.
He commended their high morale and vigilant monitoring of the situation.
The COAS emphasized the importance of maintaining top-level combat readiness to counter any hostile actions.
Expressing full confidence in the military’s preparedness, he assured that any aggression would be met with a strong response. He reaffirmed that the Pakistan Army, with determination and steadfastness, would continue to defend the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the nation.
The COAS also met with prominent Kashmiri figures and military veterans and reiterated Pakistan’s unflinching support for the people of Indian-Occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
He said that Indian atrocities and rising Hindutva extremism only strengthen the Kashmiri people’s struggle for self-determination.
He affirmed that Pakistan will always stand by Kashmiris in their just cause against state oppression and expressed confidence that one day, Kashmir would be free and become part of Pakistan per the will of its people.
Earlier, upon his arrival in Muzaffarabad, the army chief was received by the Rawalpindi Corps Commander.
Army Chief’s Address to Kashmiri Dignitaries and Veterans
Addressing the Kashmiri leaders and veterans, he declared, “Kashmir will become Pakistan. The bond between Kashmir and Pakistan is inseparable. Kashmir was and will always be a part of Pakistan.”
He highlighted that the flame of freedom has been passed down from one generation of Kashmiris to the next.
“If we remain united and strong, we can overcome any challenge. Allah has blessed Kashmir with natural beauty and abundant resources,” he said.
Gen Munir said that while Indian forces may oppress Kashmiris today, tomorrow, or for a short while, they cannot do so forever.
“The decision on Kashmir must be made by the Kashmiri people, not by an occupying army. We have fought three wars for Kashmir, and if necessary, we will fight ten more, InshaAllah,” he said.
Reiterating Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s statement that “Kashmir is the jugular vein of Pakistan,” the army chief emphasized that severing the jugular vein is tantamount to ending life itself.
“A Muslim is never intimidated by the enemy’s numbers or weapons. Victory always belongs to those who stand firm in faith, piety, and the path of Allah,” he said.
He also announced plans to improve internet facilities in Kashmir and generate employment opportunities for the youth in the IT sector.
On this occasion, Kashmiri dignitaries expressed their gratitude, stating that without the Pakistan Army, their situation would have been worse than that of Palestine. They affirmed the unbreakable bond between the people of Kashmir and Pakistan.
Attendees said that Gen Munir’s visit boosted the morale of Kashmiris on both sides of the border. “Our hearts beat with Pakistan. The people of Jammu and Kashmir are connected with Pakistan and will remain so. No one can advocate for Kashmir better than Pakistan,” they said.