Army well aware of constitutional limits, expect same from others: COAS

Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir said on Thursday the army was well aware of its constitutional limits and expected others to abide by them too.
The army chief, speaking at the passing out parade of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) in Risalpur, observed that Article 19 of the Constitution defines the boundaries within which freedom of speech and opinions exist.
“Those who disregard the explicit constraints outlined in the Constitution have no grounds to criticize others,” said the COAS.
He told the cadets they were central to the country’s hopes and aspirations, tasked with safeguarding the aerial frontiers and regional solidarity.
“It is expected that you will live your lives with courage, character, and competence,” he added.
Gen Munir further said, “You will always uphold the nation’s tradition of excellence, professionalism, and bravery,” said the COAS.
He added that an escalation in the arms race could potentially disrupt the equilibrium of power in our region, adding that advancements in technologies, including artificial intelligence, robotics, and quantum computing, are changing the use of air power while also expanding its scope.
“Without a strong air force, a country is at the mercy of any aggressor,” the COAS said. He added that PAF has always lived up to the nation’s expectations.
The COAS said that the PAF has displayed remarkable courage and professionalism while patrolling the airspace, even in challenging circumstances, as exemplified by the events of February 2019.