‘No space for war in a nuclearized environment’: Pakistan Army chief cautions India

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Asim Munir has cautioned India that there is “no space for war in a nuclearized environment.”

Field Marshal Munir said this in his address at the passing out parade of cadets of 152nd PMA Long Course, 71st Integrated Course, 26th Lady Cadet Course, 37th Technical Graduate Course at the Pakistan Military Academy (PMA), Kakul on Saturday. 

'Catastrophic consequences' 

The army chief said, “I advise and firmly caution the Indian military leadership that there is ‘no space for war’ in a nuclearized environment.”

“Settle the core issues with Pakistan as per the international norms, on the basis of equality and mutual respect.”

“We will never be intimidated nor coerced by your rhetoric and shall respond decisively beyond proportions to even a minor provocation without any qualms,” the Field Marshal warned.

“The onus of ensuing escalation, one that may ultimately bear catastrophic consequences for the entire region and beyond, will squarely lie with India,” he said categorically.

Congratulates cadets 

The COAS said that it was a great honor and source of pride for him to review the passing out parade of the Pakistan Military Academy.

“I congratulate the cadets from Bangladesh, Iraq, Mali, Maldives, Nigeria, Nepal, Palestine, Qatar, Sri Lanka, and Yemen on completing their training at this prestigious institution,” he said.

He said that the award winners deserve special admiration for their outstanding achievements.

Field Marshal Munir said since the establishment of Pakistan, the Pakistan Armed Forces, with the full support of the nation, have left no stone unturned in defending the homeland from external and internal threats.

Operation Bunyanum Marsoos

In Maa’rka-e-Haq/Operation Bunyanum Marsoos, the Pakistan Armed Forces defeated the enemy with their professional skill and determination, further strengthening the confidence of the nation, he said.

The Field Marshal said that by conducting highly professional operations against the enemy, the Rafale aircraft were shot down.

The COAS said that multiple enemy bases, including S-400 systems, were targeted, and Pakistan also demonstrated its full capabilities in multi-domain warfare.

“With the grace of Allah and national resolve, we, as a nation united, faced the enemy like a wall of steel,” he said.

The Field Marshal added, “Pakistan once again achieved victory against an enemy intoxicated by the arrogance of its misguided supremacy.”

“India rushed to make accusations and avoided impartial investigations,” he said.

‘Self-created evidence’ 

India’s staging of self-created evidence was indicative of the politicization of terrorism for the vested interest of the ruling regime, Pakistan’s chief of army staff said.

“Due to clear victory over a numerically superior enemy, Pakistan has not only earned the respect and appreciation from the people of the country but of the international community,” he said.

The Field Marshal said, “This victory has also strengthened the confidence among the youth that Pakistan’s armed forces are a fundamental pillar of national strength.”

“I assure the nation that, God willing, we will not allow even an inch of this sacred land to be handed over to the enemy,” he said, adding, “I salute the courage of the Pakistani people with great pride.”

The COAS said, “I pay tribute to every soldier, sailor, airman, brave men, women, children, and elders who sacrificed their lives in these difficult times.”

“I also pay tribute to the martyrs who fought this war in defense of the motherland,” he added.

“The national leadership, bureaucracy, religious scholars, scientists, media, and individuals from the education sector also deserve tribute,” Field Marshal Munir further said.

'Humble contributions' 

He said, "Pakistan has also made humble contributions toward the peaceful steering of the negotiations with Iran." 

"Our relations with all other Muslim countries are thriving at an exponential pace," the Field Marshal added.

“Most significantly, we stand proud of our historic and all-weather strategic cooperative partnership with China,” he mentioned.

Re-energization of strong and growing relations with the US is an encouraging and welcome development, the Field Marshal said.

He said President Trump’s personal efforts and strategic leadership to bring peace to multiple conflict-prone areas of the world are really praiseworthy. 

“We will further nurture these relations with key global and regional players for the interest of peace, security, and development.”

Awards to distinguished cadets 

Earlier, the COAS gave awards to the distinguished cadets, Pakistan military’s media wing, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement on Saturday.

The coveted Sword of Honor was awarded to Academy Senior Under Officer Ahmed Mujtaba Arif Raja of 152nd PMA Long Course.

The President's Gold Medal to Battalion Senior Under Officer Zohair Hussain of 152nd PMA Long Course.

Chairman Joint Chief of Staff Committee Overseas Gold Medal to Friendly Country Company Junior Under Officer Tekraj of 152nd PMA Long Course. Chief of Army Staff Marksman Medal was awarded to Gentleman Cadet Syed Hashir Hassan of 152nd PMA Long Course.

Chief of Army Staff Cane was awarded to Course Under Officer Shaheer Ali of the 37th Technical Graduate Course.

Commandant’s Overseas Medal to Course Sports Sergeant Most Jannatul Mawa of 26th Lady Cadet Course.

Commandant's Canes were awarded to Course Under Officer Sayed Abdul Hadi of 71st Integrated Course and Course Under Officer Hadia Fayyaz of 26th Lady Cadet Course, the statement said.