COAS General Asim Munir Applauds Pakistan’s Media for Its Powerful and Patriotic Response During Tensions with India
In a significant gesture of appreciation, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir has lauded the Pakistani media for its powerful, mature, and dignified response during the recent period of heightened tensions between Pakistan and India. Speaking at the “Youm-e-Tashakur” (Thanksgiving Day) ceremony held at the iconic Pakistan Monument in Islamabad, General Munir highlighted the pivotal role that the national media played in promoting unity, truth, and resilience amid a sensitive and challenging time.
The ceremony, held to collectively express gratitude for Pakistan’s stability and unity, brought together a host of prominent figures. Senior civil and military leaders, federal ministers, members of the diplomatic corps, and media professionals were all present to mark the occasion. The event served not only as a moment of reflection but also as a public acknowledgment of the critical institutions that stood firm in safeguarding the nation’s image and morale during trying circumstances.
A Moment of National Pride
General Munir, in his address, praised the Pakistani media’s conduct, stating that the coverage it provided was responsible, honest, and dignified—a stark contrast to what he described as sensationalist and provocative reporting by certain sections of the Indian media. He emphasized that Pakistan’s media showed restraint and professionalism, avoiding inflammatory narratives and instead focusing on truth, national interest, and calm reporting.Asim Munir
“The way our media handled itself was not just commendable—it was historic,” said General Munir. “In a time when the world was watching, Pakistan’s media became a beacon of truth and responsibility. It presented facts with dignity and resisted the temptation to mirror the hostile rhetoric emanating from across the border.”
His remarks were met with applause from the attendees, many of whom have worked closely with media houses and understand the enormous influence that journalism wields during geopolitical tensions.Asim Munir
Context: Rising Tensions and a Measured Response
The background to General Munir’s comments lies in the recent escalation of tensions between India and Pakistan—an episode marked by political rhetoric, military posturing, and aggressive media coverage, particularly from Indian news outlets. During this time, Pakistan’s media was under considerable pressure, not only from the situation itself but also due to the need to maintain national cohesion and avoid panic.
Instead of fueling hostilities, Pakistan’s media took a strategic and patriotic stance—one that prioritized facts, verified information, and unity. News anchors, reporters, and editorial boards across television, print, and digital platforms largely adopted a measured tone, reinforcing messages of peace, defense preparedness, and the need for national solidarity.Asim Munir
General Munir credited this professionalism as a vital contributor to Pakistan’s successful navigation of the tense period, stating that the “media’s strength became the strength of the nation.”Asim Munir
Celebrating Unity and Resilience
The “Youm-e-Tashakur” ceremony was not just about acknowledging the role of the media. It was a broader celebration of national resilience and unity. The Pakistan Monument—symbolic of the country’s diverse cultures and provinces converging into a unified national identity—served as a fitting backdrop for the occasion.Asim Munir
General Munir noted that, in times of national crisis, it is not only the armed forces but also civilians, institutions, and especially the media that contribute to the country’s stability. “Unity is our greatest strength,” he declared. “And this unity is nurtured when every segment of society plays its role with sincerity and patriotism.”Asim Munir
The event also featured addresses by other high-ranking officials and members of the civil administration. All of them echoed the COAS’s sentiments, praising the nation’s collective spirit and commending those who helped maintain calm and clarity in public discourse.Asim Munir
Pakistan’s Media: A Pillar of Democracy and National Security
One of the key messages from the event was the recognition of media as more than just a communication tool—it is, as General Munir emphasized, a strategic pillar in both democracy and national security. In an era where misinformation spreads rapidly and public opinion can be shaped in minutes, the role of a responsible and principled media becomes even more critical.Asim Munir
“In today’s information age, wars are no longer fought only on borders—they are also fought in narratives, on screens, and in headlines,” General Munir said. “By choosing truth over propaganda, and restraint over aggression, our media has shown the world the strength of Pakistan’s democratic maturity.”Asim Munir
This acknowledgment from the military leadership is particularly notable in a country where civil-military relations and press freedom have often been subjects of intense debate. General Munir’s praise highlights a shift toward greater appreciation of media’s role in nation-building and crisis management.Asim Munir
Diplomatic Appreciation and International Perspective
The presence of foreign diplomats at the ceremony added an international dimension to the event. Several ambassadors reportedly expressed admiration for how Pakistan navigated the recent tensions, especially in terms of media conduct. They noted that a calm and responsible national media sends positive signals to the international community, particularly to investors, allies, and global observers of South Asian geopolitics.Asim Munir
Analysts have pointed out that Pakistan’s composed internal response helped mitigate diplomatic fallout and projected the image of a stable, mature state that prefers peace but is prepared to defend itself if necessary.Asim Munir
Looking Ahead: Building on Success
General Munir concluded his address by urging the media to continue this path of constructive and patriotic journalism. He emphasized the need for ongoing cooperation between state institutions and the media to counter disinformation, promote social harmony, and build a strong, self-reliant Pakistan.Asim Munir
He also acknowledged the challenges faced by journalists and media professionals, including economic pressures, digital disruption, and external threats. However, he reassured them of the military’s support in protecting press freedom while encouraging ethical standards and national responsibility.Asim Munir
As the ceremony concluded, it was clear that this was more than a moment of thanksgiving—it was a celebration of unity, integrity, and national strength, anchored by a powerful partnership between Pakistan’s institutions and its people.
See more:
Conclusion
The praise from COAS General Asim Munir marks a significant validation of the media’s role in modern conflict management and national cohesion. By maintaining composure, delivering fact-based reporting, and upholding national values during a critical time, Pakistan’s media did more than inform—it inspired confidence, projected stability, and stood as a formidable line of defense in the information war.
As Pakistan continues to face complex challenges at home and abroad, this partnership between the media and the state will be essential in shaping a future defined by unity, truth, and strength.
