Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir stirred emotions at the first-ever Overseas Pakistanis Convention in Islamabad, where he hailed overseas Pakistanis as the "ambassadors" and "shining light" of the nation.

With passion in his voice, General Munir shared how deeply moved he was by the love of Pakistanis living abroad. “Our bond with you is unbreakable,” he said. “We stand beside you, shoulder to shoulder.”

Challenging the negative term “brain drain”, he proudly declared that overseas Pakistanis are the best example of brain gain. “You’re not just working abroad — you’re showing the world the brilliance, resilience, and talent of our nation,” he added, urging them to stay proud of their identity.

Standing tall against threats

Switching to national security, General Munir didn’t hold back. He sent a clear warning to those targeting Balochistan and trying to destabilise Pakistan.

“Do a handful of terrorists think they can decide Pakistan’s future?” he asked. “Even ten generations of them can’t shake us. Balochistan is not just a province — it’s the crown on Pakistan’s head.”

Calling for unity and gratitude, the army chief reminded everyone of Pakistan’s blessings — natural resources, talent, and resilience. “The question isn’t if Pakistan will progress, but how fast,” he stressed. “Together, we will remove every hurdle that comes in the way of our development.”

A voice for Kashmir and Gaza

He didn’t forget the people of Kashmir and Palestine either. Reiterating Pakistan’s unwavering stance, General Munir said, “Kashmir is our jugular vein, and our hearts beat with the Muslims of Gaza.”

Addressing the diaspora, General Munir urged overseas Pakistanis to hold tight to their roots. “Wherever you are, remember — your identity is noble, your culture rich, and your ideology proud.”

The speech ended on a high note as the hall echoed with the patriotic chant: “Pakistan Hamesha Zindabad!”