Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir said on Thursday that Article 19 of the Constitution of Pakistan clearly defines the limits of freedom of speech and expression of opinion.

Addressing the Passing out Parade of Cadets at Pakistan Air Force (PAF), Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the COAS said those who flout the clear restrictions imposed on freedom of expression as enshrined in the Constitution, cannot point fingers at others.

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

He said the arms race will also disturb the balance of power in our region.

Meanwhile, in his address, the army chief lauded the professionalism of PAF and said that it has always lived up to the expectations of the nation.

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“We expect that the cadets will lead a life adorned with the virtues of character, courage and competence,” the army chief said.

COAS Munir expressed the confidence that the passed out cadets will never hesitate to sacrifice for the defence, honour and dignity of the motherland.

“The military leadership expects you that you will always uphold our nation’s best spirit, professionalism and the eternal tradition of bravery.”

The balance of power in the region could be disrupted by the race for weapons, Army chief said.

Technologies such as artificial intelligence, robotics, and quantum computing are not just changing the use of air power but also expanding its scope.

“A country without a strong air force remains at the mercy of any aggressor.”

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Regarding the months-long Israeli aggression in Gaza, the COAS said the conflict is the most recent example of the calamities that wars can bring.

“The blind massacre of the elderly, women, and children in Gaza is evidence that violence is escalating worldwide,” Army chief emphasised.

He added that India has illegally occupied Kashmir and the ongoing Indian aggresssion in Kashmir could not silence the cry for freedom.

“We will continue our moral, political, and diplomatic support for our Kashmiri brothers,” the COAS pledged.

“Always remember that truth is powerful while falsehood can never be strong.”

To the passing cadets, the COAS said, “May you [all] become like Rashid Minhas, Sarfaraz Rafiqui, and MM Alam, who presented their services and lives for the dignity protection of the beloved homeland”.