By Staff Reporter
ISLAMABAD: Army Chief General Asim Munir on Thursday asserted that the military is “well aware” of its constitutional limits and expects others to uphold the Constitution, amid allegations of the powerful military’s interference in politics and the judiciary.
In a speech at a passing out parade at the Pakistan Air Force’s Asghar Khan Academy in Risalpur, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, General Munir warned that those who violate constitutional restrictions on freedom of expression cannot point fingers at others.
“We are well aware of our constitutional limits and expect others to prioritize adherence to the constitution as well,” General Munir said. “Article 19 of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan clearly defines the limits of freedom of speech and expression of opinion which must not be misconstrued as freedom of expression of venom against others,” he added.
`Hence, those who blatantly trample the same very Constitution on a daily basis in one way or the other cannot and should not issue sermons to others towards its adherence. We know our constitutional limits very well and expect from others to also know them well.”
General Munir said the despicable propaganda amplified by social media and false narratives being spread by misguided elements of the society.
“I would especially urge you not to fall prey to misguided, misdirected, factually incorrect, and politically-motivate d propaganda,` he told the graduating cadets, asking them to develop `critical minds to navigate through blurring lines between reality, perception and blatant falsehood.”
“Always remember right is might and not that the might is right. Fight and never cower before coercion, blackmail and terror.”
The remarks came two days after Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa warned against interference in the judicial process, following allegations by six Islamabad High Court judges of spy agencies’ interference in their matters.
The top court took suo motu notice of the letter and later several bar councils also filed petitions and they were made parties to the case.
The military has long wielded significant power in Pakistan, ruling the country for more than half its 75-plus years of existence. Its involvement in politics has been a contentious issue, with many accusing the military of meddling in political affairs and suppressing dissent.
The military has faced growing criticism over its alleged involvement in politics since the ouster of former Prime Minister Imran Khan in a no-confidence vote in April 2022.
However, the military has denied meddling in the country’s politics. It has publicly denied intentions to interfere in political affairs more recently, asserting a commitment to uphold democracy and remain apolitical.
Munir also lauded the Pakistan Air Force for its role in defending the country, highlighting the shooting down of an Indian fighter jet in February 2019 as an example of its capabilities. Indian Air Force official Abhinandan Varthaman’s MiG-21 jet was shot down by a Pakistani fighter during a clash over Kashmir in 2019. He was captured by the Pakistani Army and later released.
“You are the centre of our hopes, the guardian of the skies and the guarantors of regional unity,” the army chief told the cadets.
The general also warned against the arms race and its potential to disturb regional balance, and criticized India’s policies in disputed Kashmir, pledging continued Pakistani support on moral, political and diplomatic levels for those resisting New Delhi’s rule.
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