Abdul Basit Alvi
The foundation of a stable and secure society lies in the interplay between the military and civilian population. This dynamic interaction is pivotal for nurturing comprehension, trust, and a shared sense of responsibility. The primary duty of any military force is to protect the nation from external threats, and effective communication and cooperation between the army and civilians are crucial for sustaining a robust defense system. Civilian support ensures that the military possesses the essential resources, intelligence, and public confidence required to effectively address security challenges. In times of crisis, a well-established link between the military and civilians facilitates a coordinated response, enhancing the nation’s capacity to overcome threats. The interaction between the army and civilians contributes to building a sense of community and shared responsibility. Military personnel actively engage in community outreach programs, disaster relief efforts, and other civic activities, fostering a connection between the military and the broader society. This involvement breaks down stereotypes and promotes understanding. Through collaborative initiatives, both parties can strive toward common goals, strengthening the social fabric and creating a more unified and resilient nation. In a democratic society, maintaining a delicate balance between military and civilian authorities is crucial. Transparent communication and mutual respect are essential for upholding democratic values. The interaction between the army and civilians helps establish clear lines of authority. This relationship is fundamental for preventing military coups and preserving the democratic principles that underpin modern societies. During natural disasters, pandemics, or other emergencies, the collaboration between the army and civilians becomes even more critical. The military’s logistical capabilities, discipline, and training make them valuable assets in disaster response efforts. Civilian authorities, on the other hand, provide local knowledge, administrative support, and a connection to the affected communities. Together, they form a formidable force capable of efficiently managing crises and mitigating their impact on society. Army and civilian interactions also create opportunities for cultural exchange, promoting mutual understanding and respect. Military personnel often hail from diverse backgrounds, sharing their experiences with civilians to foster a sense of unity. In turn, civilians gain insights into the challenges and sacrifices faced by the military, nurturing empathy and appreciation. This cultural exchange plays a crucial role in bridging the gap between the military and civilian worlds, diminishing stereotypes and misconceptions. In the pursuit of a secure and harmonious society, the proximity and understanding between the military and civilian population are pivotal. Minimizing distances between these entities goes beyond physical closeness; it involves establishing a deep connection founded on trust, collaboration, and shared responsibility. One significant benefit of reducing distances between the army and civilians is the cultivation of trust. Trust forms the foundation of any stable society, and a closer connection between citizens and the military fosters confidence in its capabilities and intentions. This trust is essential for effective collaboration in both peaceful times and moments of crisis. Physical and emotional closeness between the army and civilian population contributes to a more resilient national security apparatus. When civilians are informed and engaged in security matters, they become integral to the nation’s defense. An alert and involved citizenry serves as an additional layer of security, aiding in intelligence gathering and identifying potential threats. Reducing distances encourages active community involvement and support for military endeavors, whether through recruitment drives, community outreach programs, or joint initiatives. A closer relationship fosters a sense of shared responsibility, vital not only during conflicts but also in peacetime activities such as disaster relief and humanitarian missions. In emergencies or natural disasters, the ability to coordinate swiftly between the army and civilians becomes crucial. Closer distances facilitate quicker response times, thanks to a pre-existing framework for communication and collaboration. This synergy ensures that resources, personnel, and expertise are deployed in a coordinated manner, minimizing the impact of crises on society. Minimizing physical and social distances helps dispel misconceptions and stereotypes, opening avenues for cultural exchange and mutual understanding. Military personnel, drawing on their diverse backgrounds and experiences, have the opportunity to interact with civilians, fostering mutual appreciation for their respective roles and challenges. This cultural exchange serves to narrow gaps and cultivate a more cohesive society. In a democratic setting, it is imperative to ensure a connection between the defense apparatus and the people it serves. The reduction of distances contributes to the democratization of defense, emphasizing collective decision-making on matters related to national security. This not only upholds democratic principles but also aligns military actions with the values and aspirations of the civilian population. Current Army Chief of Pakistan, General Asim Munir, has demonstrated a notable commitment to addressing the concerns of the people alongside fulfilling his professional responsibilities. On various occasions, he has shown positive gestures, including a historic address at the “Pakistan National Youth Conference” at Jinnah Convention Center in Islamabad. In his speech, General Syed Asim Munir, Nishan Imtiaz (Military), emphasized the unique identity of Pakistan, distinct from Western civilizations. He encouraged the youth to have immense confidence in their country, nation, culture, and civilization, highlighting the importance of research and positive thinking in the face of societal challenges. General Asim Munir stressed the need for national cooperation against terrorism, drawing parallels with the struggles of Palestine and Occupied Kashmir. He urged vigilance in navigating social media and propaganda, emphasizing the importance of news research. The General Asim Munir expressed gratitude for Pakistan’s abundant resources and young manpower, emphasizing the readiness of Pakistan’s forces against any threat or conspiracy. He underlined Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to sovereignty and expressed full confidence in the bright future of the country, encouraging the upholding of ancestral legacies. The students present during the speech echoed their support with slogans such as “Pakistan Army Zindabad,” “Pakistan Zindabad,” and “Quaid-e-Azam Zindabad.” The Chief of Army Staff, General Syed Asim Munir, delivered a significant and thought-provoking address at the Youth Convention held at Jinnah Convention Center in Islamabad. Throughout this discourse, participants in the convention raised several pertinent questions. General Munir shed light on the motivations behind the creation of Pakistan, emphasizing that it was a manifestation of the collective mindset of the Muslims in the subcontinent. These Muslims were convinced that religion and Islamic civilization were fundamentally distinct from Hindu beliefs, making it impractical for the two nationalities to coexist. The establishment of Pakistan was a result of this conviction. General Asim Munir stressed that today’s youth should not be swayed towards Western civilization after overcoming Hindu domination. He urged a steadfast belief in Islam, considering it a perfect religion, as the axis of self-confidence. Addressing the prevalence of propaganda on social media, the Army Chief emphasized the Islamic mandate for research before accepting information. He cautioned against false propaganda aimed at undermining Pakistan, emphasizing the need for confidence in the nation, its people, and its natural resources. Participants openly praised Pakistan forces for their response during recent tensions with Iran, with the Prime Minister acknowledging the central role of the Army Chief in managing the crisis. During the convention, discussions included references to the caliphate of Hazrat Umar, prompting General Munir to highlight that when the populace embodies the qualities of Umar, rulers can govern in a similar style. The Army Chief lamented the power-centric nature of Pakistani politics, urging individuals to contribute positively for the country’s betterment. While discussing the negative impacts of social media, he urged participants to avoid such effects and resist disillusionment, emphasizing the role of self-confidence. In response to questions about political stability, General Munir underscored the importance of the five-year parliamentary term and rejected equating democratic changes within this period with instability. He cited examples from Britain and India, where governments changed multiple times during the five-year parliamentary term. Responding to inquiries about the caretaker government’s prolonged rule, he clarified that it was a constitutional necessity linked to census and delimitation requirements, and the caretaker government would step down post-election completion. Regarding the rights of Gilgit-Baltistan, the Army Chief emphasized the collective identity of being Pakistani, noting that the identity card and passport possessed by the people of Gilgit-Baltistan were identical to his own, reinforcing the idea that a shared identity unites the nation. It is imperative to discourage negative tendencies and resist the influence of detrimental propaganda. In an address at a seminar on agriculture and food security few weeks ago, Gen Asim Munir, serving as the guest of honor, commended the talents of the Pakistani nation. He emphasized the collective need for people to contribute to the country’s progress. The seminar marked the continuation of the inaugurated Land Information Management System – Centre of Excellence (LIMS-COE), part of the ‘Green Pakistan initiative’ aimed at enhancing food security, boosting exports, and reducing agriculture-related imports. Gen Munir expressed determination to make Pakistan green again and assured full support for the nation’s economic development. Encouraging unity and dedication, he asserted that Pakistan will progress, facing no impediments on its path to advancement. Referring to a verse from the Holy Quran, he urged the nation not to despair, emphasizing the values of patience and gratitude in the face of challenges. On another occasion, a daughter of a martyred soldier lodged a complaint with Army Chief General Asim Munir, leading him to assure resolution and offer full cooperation. The video of Martyrs’ Day, where the daughter shared her concerns, garnered widespread attention on social media. She reported a recurring issue of floodwater being diverted toward her house by a feudal in Dera Murad Jamali. In response, the Army Chief reassured her and pledged not to release water toward her property in the future. During the incident, he directed staff to convey a message to the feudal, cautioning against such actions or else ‘your water will reach somewhere else.’ Beyond the military realm, the role of Army Chief General Asim Munir extends to inspiring and guiding civilians towards discipline, service, and national pride. As a prominent figure with the capacity to shape perceptions and instill values, the army chief plays a crucial role in boosting the morale of the civilian population. Serving as a role model, he influences and inspires the people of Pakistan. Exemplifying qualities such as discipline, dedication, and a robust work ethic, the chief serves as a positive role model for the people. This demonstration of commendable attributes has the potential to inspire individuals to pursue excellence in their chosen paths, whether within the military or other fields. Army Chief General Asim Munir consistently underscores the values of service, patriotism, and commitment to a greater cause. By consistently emphasizing the significance of contributing to the nation’s well-being, he instills a sense of duty and responsibility among the populace. This promotion of civic values encourages active participation in community service and positive contributions to society. Actively engaging with civilian communities serves as a powerful method for the army chief to uplift morale among the people. Through community outreach programs, public talks, and participation in civic events, opportunities for direct interaction are created. This engagement not only allows civilians to connect with military leaders but also fosters a sense of unity and shared responsibility for the nation’s future. An essential aspect of the army chief’s role involves recognizing the achievements and contributions of the civilian population. By celebrating academic accomplishments, community service initiatives, and leadership achievements, the chief reinforces the importance of individual efforts in building a stronger and more prosperous nation. This positive reinforcement serves as motivation for people to strive for excellence in their pursuits.General Asim Munir holds the opportunity to promote diversity and inclusivity, encouraging civilian youth from all backgrounds to consider military service. Through active support for initiatives that promote equal opportunities, irrespective of gender, ethnicity, or socio-economic status, the army chief contributes to building a more inclusive and representative armed forces that resonates positively with the people. Readers, the Army chief’s interaction with the general public is highly appreciated, not only by the youth but also by individuals of all genders and age groups. General Asim Munir, belonging to a middle-class family and being a self-made person, possesses a profound understanding of middle-class issues. His earnest efforts to address economic and developmental concerns are yielding positive results, with reduced dollar and fuel prices and increased foreign investment in the country. The nation acknowledges the remarkable role played by Army Chief General Asim Munir in contributing to the betterment of the country.
