Karachi: General Syed Asim Munir, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), has stated that protecting the ‘digital borders’ of Pakistan is just as crucial as ensuring the physical security of the country. He emphasized the importance of digital security in safeguarding both the nation and its citizens.
During a speech to the business community in Karachi on Wednesday, the Army Chief expressed optimism about Pakistan’s economic future. He believes the country is on the right path to recovery. General Munir reiterated his earlier message to the business community: ‘hopelessness is forbidden.’
He highlighted the positive shift in Pakistan’s economic indicators, which he expects to improve even more next year. The army chief also pointed out that those who had predicted Pakistan’s financial collapse are no longer in the spotlight. He called for holding accountable those who had spread negativity and disappointment among the public.
General Munir made it clear that no political agenda should come before the well-being of the country. ‘Nothing is more important than our nation,’ he stressed, urging citizens to consider the value of a state by looking at countries like Libya, Iraq, and Palestine, where instability prevails.
He urged people to come together and work toward overcoming the challenges facing Pakistan. The Army Chief firmly stated that only Pakistanis could bring stability and prosperity to their homeland. He also encouraged overseas Pakistanis to invest in their country to help with its development.
General Munir also touched on the issue of illegitimate businesses. He stated that such operations are often linked to terrorism, serving ulterior motives that harm national security.
In a separate address last week at the Margalla Dialogue 2024, the army chief discussed the dangers of ‘misleading and incorrect information.’ He described this as a major challenge for the country, especially in the absence of strong laws to address it. Without proper regulations, he warned, these false narratives would continue to destabilize political and social structures.
At the same event, General Munir spoke about the global challenges facing the world. He noted the rise of violent non-state actors and state-sponsored terrorism as significant threats. The Army Chief also emphasized the need for stricter regulations on social media, stating that the unrestricted freedom of speech online is contributing to the breakdown of moral values in societies worldwide.
General Munir’s remarks reflect his strong belief that digital security is key to Pakistan’s future. He sees it as vital for maintaining both economic growth and national stability.
