The commander stressed that the armed forces must remain steadfast in fulfilling their responsibilities under all circumstances.

Commander National Strategic Command General Syed Aamer Raza has warned that any hostile action against Pakistan would trigger a response beyond the initiator’s expectations, stressing that conflict in a nuclear-armed region could have serious consequences.

Addressing the passing-out parade of the 154th Pakistan Military Academy (PMA) Long Course and the 39th Technical Graduate Course at Kakul on Saturday, General Syed Aamer Raza reaffirmed the country’s determination to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

He said Pakistan’s armed forces remained fully prepared to protect every inch of the country, warning adversaries against miscalculations that could escalate regional tensions.

“There is no space for conflict or war in a nuclearised environment,” General Raza said, adding that any hostile move would be met with a response far beyond the imagination or calculations of its initiator.

General Aamer Raza Warns Against Escalation

General Raza’s remarks came amid renewed tensions between Pakistan and India following statements by Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.

Singh had warned on Thursday that any fresh terrorist activity originating from across the border would prompt a military strike larger than the previous one. Pakistan subsequently condemned the remarks as provocative, warning that any military aggression would receive a forceful response.

Addressing the cadets, General Raza said Pakistan remained committed to peace and regional stability but would not tolerate cross-border aggression or violations of its sovereignty.

He emphasised that the country’s commitment to peace should not be mistaken for weakness or a lack of determination to defend its national interests.

The strategic command chief also highlighted the challenges posed by disinformation and what he described as narrative warfare, accusing adversaries of attempting to weaken the relationship between Pakistan’s armed forces and its people.

According to General Raza, hostile elements were seeking to exploit internal vulnerabilities, intensify proxy terrorism and undermine the country’s social cohesion and state institutions.

He urged the graduating cadets to remain alert to misleading information and propaganda while maintaining their commitment to national security and unity.

Pakistan Emphasises National Unity and Defence Preparedness

General Raza said protecting Pakistan’s sovereignty, national unity and territorial integrity remained an overriding responsibility of the armed forces.

He paid tribute to military personnel who had sacrificed their lives in the line of duty, saying their service had helped safeguard the country’s honour and security.

The commander stressed that the armed forces must remain steadfast in fulfilling their responsibilities under all circumstances.

He also urged the graduating officers to recognise the importance of discipline, professional competence and sound judgement as they prepared to assume leadership roles in the military.

According to General Raza, leadership would remain a decisive factor in determining battlefield outcomes, particularly when officers were required to make critical decisions under challenging circumstances.

He said effective military leadership required integrity, courage, dedication and the ability to earn the trust and confidence of soldiers.

Officers who demonstrated these qualities, he added, would be better equipped to lead their personnel through both peacetime responsibilities and wartime challenges.

General Raza Highlights Changing Nature of Modern Warfare

The commander also discussed the growing influence of emerging technologies on contemporary military operations.

He said rapid technological developments were changing the character of warfare and challenging traditional operational doctrines.

In response to these developments, he said Pakistan’s armed forces were pursuing a transformation across multiple operational domains to strengthen their military capabilities.

General Raza urged the graduating officers not only to adapt to technological innovation but also to develop the knowledge and skills necessary to anticipate emerging challenges.

He emphasised that future military leaders would need to remain technologically aware, professionally capable and prepared to operate in an increasingly complex security environment.

The commander also commended the cadets for their discipline, military bearing and performance during the passing-out parade, crediting their instructors with maintaining rigorous training standards at the Pakistan Military Academy.

He encouraged the newly commissioned officers to uphold the values instilled during their training and carry them into their professional careers.

Pakistan Reaffirms Support for Palestine and Kashmir

Addressing international and regional developments, General Raza highlighted Pakistan’s stated commitment to diplomatic engagement, restraint and regional stability amid growing geopolitical uncertainty.

He referred to developments in the Middle East and described Pakistan’s diplomatic role, including the Islamabad Accord and Mecca Accord mentioned in his address, as part of efforts to promote lasting peace.

The commander also expressed concern over the humanitarian situation in Palestine, voicing support for Palestinians facing violence and hardship.

He condemned attacks on civilians and the destruction of civilian infrastructure, describing such actions as serious violations of international law.

On Kashmir, General Raza reiterated Pakistan’s support for the Kashmiri people and their aspirations, referring to relevant United Nations resolutions.

He said Pakistan would continue its diplomatic, moral and political support for Kashmiris in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir.

His remarks underscored Islamabad’s stated position that regional disputes should be addressed through peaceful means and in accordance with applicable international commitments.

Foreign Cadets Attend PMA Passing-Out Parade

The passing-out parade also marked the completion of training for cadets from Pakistan and several friendly countries.

General Raza congratulated graduating cadets from Bangladesh, Iraq, the Maldives, Palestine, Qatar, Sri Lanka, Tajikistan and Yemen, highlighting the importance of the professional relationships developed during their training.

He praised the cadets’ discipline and dedication, expressing confidence that the bonds formed at the academy would endure throughout their military careers.

The commander also congratulated those who received awards for outstanding performance during their training.

According to the military’s media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), General Raza attended the ceremony as chief guest, reviewed the parade and presented awards to high-achieving cadets.

Academy Senior Under Officer Muhammad Junaid Jabbar of the 154th PMA Long Course received the Sword of Honour, while Battalion Senior Under Officer Syed Hassan Abbas, also from the 154th PMA Long Course, was awarded the President’s Gold Medal.

The Chief of Defence Forces Overseas Gold Medal went to Friendly Country Company Senior Under Officer Riyad Mahmood Khan of Bangladesh.

Company Sports Sergeant Muhammad Abdullah received the Marksman Medal.

Meanwhile, Course Under Officer Ali Ahmed Mustafa of the 39th Technical Graduate Course was awarded the Chief of Army Staff Cane.

The Commandant’s Canes were presented to Course Under Officer Muhammad Hamza Fayyaz of the 73rd Integrated Course and Course Junior Under Officer Maryam Tariq of the 28th Lady Cadet Course.

Concluding his address, General Raza congratulated the newly commissioned officers and urged them to perform their duties with integrity, professionalism and dedication.

He expressed confidence that the graduates would uphold the traditions of the Pakistan Army and serve the country with commitment and selflessness.