Abbottabad, Pakistan – October 18, 2025 : Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff of Pakistan, presided over the passing-out parade at the Pakistan Military Academy (PMA) Kakul, marking a significant milestone in the training of new military officers. The ceremony featured graduates from the 152nd PMA Long Course, 37th Technical Graduate Course, 71st Integrated Course, and the 26th Lady Cadet Course. Cadets from allied nations, including Bangladesh, Iraq, Mali, Maldives, Nigeria, Nepal, Palestine, Qatar, Sri Lanka, and Yemen, also completed their training and received congratulations from the Army Chief. Field Marshal Munir expressed immense pride in inspecting the parade and extended his felicitations to all cadets for their dedication and accomplishments.

Awards and Recognitions

During the parade, Field Marshal Munir acknowledged outstanding cadets by presenting the Sword of Honour to Academy Senior Under Officer Ahmed Mujtaba Arif Raja from the 152nd PMA Long Course, the President’s Gold Medal to Battalion Senior Under Officer Zohair Hussain, and the Commandant’s Cane to Course Under Officer Sayed Abdul Hadi and Course Under Officer Hadia Fayyaz from the 71st Integrated Course and 26th Lady Cadet Course respectively. The recognition celebrated the cadets’ hard work, discipline, and excellence during their rigorous training.

National Defense and Regional Security

The COAS emphasized Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to national defense, highlighting that the armed forces have consistently safeguarded the country since its inception. He referred to recent operations such as “Ma’araka-e-Haq” and “Bunyan-e-Marsous,” where Pakistan’s military decisively countered threats with professionalism, reinforcing public confidence in its capabilities. Addressing regional security, Field Marshal Munir underscored Pakistan’s strength in multi-domain warfare, recalling successful actions against India, including downing Rafale jets and striking key enemy installations. He criticized India for premature allegations and presenting fabricated evidence, asserting that Pakistan’s achievements against a stronger adversary have elevated its standing on the global stage.

Tribute to Martyrs and Armed Forces

Field Marshal Munir paid homage to the nation’s martyrs, veterans, and the families of fallen soldiers, reminding young officers that they are the custodians of this legacy. He urged cadets to honor these sacrifices by embodying professionalism, discipline, and moral leadership in their careers. He emphasized that Pakistan’s defense doctrine is based on credible deterrence and perpetual preparedness, warning that any future aggression would be met with a response that exceeds expectations. Emphasizing Pakistan’s nuclear capabilities, he noted that there is no space for war in a nuclearized environment and cautioned India to exercise restraint.

International Relations and Strategic Alliances

The Army Chief highlighted Pakistan’s growing strategic partnerships, noting strengthened ties with Saudi Arabia through defense agreements and reaffirming the country’s role in protecting the Holy Mosques. He also cited positive engagement with Iran, the historic partnership with China, and the revival of relations with the United States, describing these alliances as crucial for regional stability. Additionally, he commended efforts by former U.S. President Donald Trump in promoting peace and strategic leadership.

Counterterrorism and Proxy Warfare

Addressing terrorism, Field Marshal Munir criticized India for continuing to employ terrorism as a state policy and using proxies such as “Fitna-e-Hind” and “Fitna-e-Khawarij” against Pakistan. He called on the Afghan Taliban regime to take decisive action against terrorist elements operating within its territory and emphasized that the cooperation of Pakistani citizens, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, has been pivotal in eliminating terrorist threats effectively.

Commitment to Kashmir and Palestine

Field Marshal Munir reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering support for the rights of the Kashmiri people under Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir, emphasizing the country’s adherence to UN resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri population. On Palestine, he reiterated Pakistan’s stance on a two-state solution and advocated for Jerusalem to be the capital of an independent Palestinian state, underscoring Pakistan’s long-standing solidarity with the Palestinian cause.

Message to the Nation

Concluding his address, Field Marshal Munir invoked a verse from the Quran (Surah As-Saff, Ayah 4), highlighting the importance of unity and courage in the cause of defending the nation. He encouraged young officers and the public to uphold discipline, professionalism, and moral leadership to ensure Pakistan’s flag remains high and its defense resilient. He emphasized that Pakistan’s increasing capabilities would allow the nation to face all challenges with faith and determination. The ceremony, attended by senior military officials, diplomats, and families of the graduates, showcased the pivotal role of PMA Kakul in shaping the leadership of Pakistan’s armed forces. Field Marshal Munir extended his heartfelt congratulations to all cadets on earning their commissions and prayed for Pakistan’s continued safety and prosperity.

For a visual overview of the passing-out parade and Field Marshal Asim Munir’s address, the ceremony can be viewed here.