COAS General Asim Munir Interacts with Students in Islamabad

Today at the Jinnah Convention Center in Islamabad, an interactive session was held between the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir and students from universities across the country at a youth convention. The session, which lasted over two and a half hours, saw students actively engaging and asking questions to the Army Chief, who provided comprehensive responses.

The most significant aspect of the session with the Army Chief was the students’ willingness to ask questions without hesitation and the Army Chief’s open, frank, and candid responses. In his address to the youth, the Army Chief continually referenced Quranic verses and discussed various topics with the youngsters. Throughout the Chief’s speech and the question-answer session, the youth remained enthusiastic, and the entire session was filled with chants of “Long live Pakistan” and “Long live the Pakistan Army.” The students asked questions about national issues, politics, unemployment, bad governance, opposition to the establishment in politics, social media, and the situation in Palestine and Gaza, Kashmir, and Iran, and received full and comprehensive answers.

The Army Chief clearly stated that elections would be held on February 8 and urged the public, especially the youth, to think carefully before using their right to vote. He emphasized voting for those who would work for their future. In response to a question, the Chief mentioned that all political parties and institutions have both good and bad people. On governance issues, he suggested an amendment that would allow the public to deselect their representative through voting within a year, midterm, or any period if they are not performing or doing wrong. The youth were highly dissatisfied with governance matters.

Regarding Afghanistan, the Army Chief spoke with determination, saying, “If even one Pakistani’s life is at risk, Afghanistan be damned.” About Iran, he stated that Iran is a brotherly Islamic country, but we cannot allow anyone to backstab us. “We will not compromise on our sovereignty and security,” he added. On a question about politics, where the youth insisted on getting an answer from the Army Chief himself, he said the ultimate goal of all politics is power. Having served as DG MI and DG ISI, the Chief said he has interacted with all political parties and politicians and knows them well; the public should elect those who serve them. Responding to a student’s question about why elected governments are not allowed to complete their term, the Chief asked, “Should a government still complete its five-year term if it starts breaking the country apart or selling it off?” He cited examples of no-confidence motions in India and changes in prime ministers in the UK, emphasizing that in Pakistan, a successful no-confidence motion through constitutional parliamentary means should have been accepted without resorting to street protests. Undemocratic behavior does not strengthen democracy. The other side should have secured their required majority.

The Army Chief’s interactive session with young students at the Jinnah Convention Center in Islamabad was extremely impactful. The interim Prime Minister was also present in the session. He also answered many questions related to governance, elections, and politics. Students were highly impressed with the Army Chief’s speech and answers and continued to seek guidance on various issues through their questions. There were many more interesting questions, including one about freedom of expression and one about Gilgit-Baltistan. Discussions also included the army’s budget, telecommunications, army hospitals, DHAs, and more.

Related: DG ISI interacts with University Students in Lahore