We are well aware of our constitutional limits: COAS

Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir has said that the military was “well aware” of its constitutional limits and expects others to uphold the constitution as well.

The military chief made these remarks during the passing-out parade of cadets at Pakistan Air Force (PAF) Asghar Khan Academy in Risalpur.

“We are well aware of our constitutional limits and expect others to uphold the Constitution,” he said while addressing to the participants.

“Article 19 of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan clearly defines the limits of freedom of speech and expression of opinion,” he said. “Those, who flout the clear restrictions imposed on freedom of expression in the Constitution, cannot point fingers at others.”

The COAS highlighted that the PAF had always lived up to the expectations of the nation.

Recalling the February 2019 Abhinandan Varthaman incident, the army chief lauded the PAF for patrolling the airspace in all kinds of difficulties with “unparalleled bravery and professionalism”.

“You are the centre of our hopes, the guardian of the skies and the guarantors of regional unity,” he told cadets.

“You will never hesitate to give sacrifice for the defence, honour and dignity of the motherland,” the army chief stated.

He also highlighted that the arms race posed a risk of disturbing the region’s balance of power.

“Specific technologies, including artificial intelligence, robotics and quantum computing, are changing the use of air power as well as expanding its scope,” he noted.

The army chief vowed that Pakistan would continue to provide “moral, political and diplomatic support to our Kashmir brothers”.