Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Saturday praised Field Marshal Asim Munir for his “exceptional leadership” during Pakistan’s military standoff with India in May this year. Addressing participants of the National Security and War Course 2026 at the CM House in Lahore, she said that the entire nation remained indebted to the sacrifices of the Pakistan Armed Forces.
“I would like to congratulate the Pakistan Armed Forces and also the forces from friendly countries on the historic victory of Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos,” CM Maryam said. She noted that Pakistan stood tall as a proud and resilient nation due to the success of the operation.
The chief minister reiterated her admiration for Field Marshal Asim Munir’s leadership, saying, “I would like to commend and laud the exceptional leadership of Field Marshal Asim Munir in wartime.”
While acknowledging Pakistan’s military strength, Maryam Nawaz stressed the need for internal unity, noting that a stable internal front was vital for national security. “An internal weak front is a breeding ground for all ills. Even without an external threat, internal instability poses a grave danger to our national security,” she warned.
Referring to the 1971 tragedy, the Punjab CM reminded participants that internal division had once led to national disintegration. “The creation of Bangladesh is a painful reminder of how internal conflict can destroy national cohesion,” she added.
Turning to domestic challenges, Maryam Nawaz highlighted the government’s ongoing flood relief and rehabilitation efforts. She appreciated provincial ministers and the administration for acting swiftly to protect people across Punjab.
“My first priority is the rehabilitation of flood victims. All available resources have been deployed for the ongoing rehabilitation operations,” she said, adding that her government ensured three meals a day and medical facilities for the affected families.
According to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), the recent floods caused economic losses of Rs371 billion, devastating infrastructure and agriculture nationwide. The catastrophe also claimed over 1,000 lives, including 304 deaths in Punjab — among them 110 children, 143 men, and 51 women.