Mohsin Iqbal<\/p>\n
On Friday April 18, 1986, the final match of the Austral-Asia Cup between Pakistan and India was awaited with a rare intensity. Even a day before the encounter, it felt as if the entire nation had paused in anticipation. The next day, households ensured every task was completed well before time, and people gathered in front of their television sets as though attending a national ceremony. The stadium was filled to the brim with enthusiastic fans from Pakistan and India. Pakistan won the toss and chose to field first. India, with steady composure, posted a total of 245 runs in 50 overs, losing only seven wickets. It was a respectable score, neither modest nor unreachable. But what followed tested the nerves and faith of an entire nation.
\nFrom the very beginning, Pakistan\u2019s batting faltered. Wickets tumbled in rapid succession, and before long, five Pakistani players had returned to the pavilion without even reaching double figures. Each dismissal tightened the atmosphere. Yet, in the midst of this collapse, one man stood firm\u2014Javed Miandad. His presence at the crease was a lesson in courage, strategy, and unwavering belief. With every run he scored, he injected hope back into millions of hearts. He fought like a lone warrior, shielding one end with extraordinary grit, accumulating 110 precious runs.
\nAs the match neared its conclusion, the tension was nearly unbearable. It all came down to the last ball; Pakistan was nine wickets down and four runs were required to win. Chetan Sharma charged in to bowl, and every Pakistani watching held their breath. It was a full toss\u2014an error that destiny perhaps had reserved for this very moment. And Miandad, with the calmness of a seasoned maestro and the audacity of a champion, swung it over the boundary. The stadium erupted, and so did the entire nation. Pakistan won the match, but more than that, it won a memory that would live across generations.
\nToday, nearly four decades later, those who witnessed that remarkable day can still recall the roar of triumph, the disbelief, and the sheer exhilaration of that victory against India. Even now, Javed Miandad remains a hero etched in our collective memory. His name evokes pride, gratitude, and admiration for what one man\u2019s courage can achieve. Chetan Sharma, though a good and promising fast bowler, saw his career overshadowed by that one unforgettable six.
\nIf we, as a nation, do not forget the hero who secured a cricketing victory for Pakistan, then why should we hesitate to honour the commander who secured a real war victory for the country? If a sportsman\u2019s triumph earns eternal respect in our hearts, then surely the general who safeguarded the nation\u2019s dignity and defended its frontiers deserves even greater reverence. It is in this spirit that the nomination of General Syed Asim Munir as Field Marshal and subsequently as Chief of Defence Forces stands as a testament to his distinguished service, remarkable leadership, and historic achievements. His elevation is not merely a ceremonial gesture; it is recognition of his steadfast devotion to Pakistan, his strategic brilliance, and the honour he has brought to our armed forces across the world.
\n\u2018COAS & CDF Field Marshal General Syed Asim Munir\u2019s career reflects a blend of military excellence, diplomatic wisdom, and an astute understanding of Pakistan\u2019s economic and security landscape. As a soldier, he has served on critical postings where clarity of mind and firmness of resolve were indispensable. His command in the most sensitive regions demonstrated his deep understanding of modern warfare, counter-terrorism, intelligence coordination, and the challenges posed by hybrid threats. He proved himself not only as a battlefield leader but also as a guardian of national security who could anticipate dangers before they emerged.
\nOn the foreign front, General Asim Munir projected Pakistan\u2019s image with dignity and confidence. His engagements with global leaders reaffirmed Pakistan\u2019s commitment to peace, stability, and responsible partnership in international affairs. He played a vital role in restoring balance to Pakistan\u2019s diplomatic relationships, strengthening ties with the Middle East, Central Asian republics, United States, China, and other allies. His ability to articulate Pakistan\u2019s strategic concerns with clarity earned respect in foreign capitals and elevated Pakistan\u2019s standing at various international forums.
\nEqually important was his contribution to stabilising Pakistan\u2019s economic environment. At a time when the country faced acute financial turbulence, General Asim Munir facilitated coordination between security institutions, the economic team, and foreign partners. His efforts to support investment initiatives, including collaboration with Gulf states, contributed to renewed confidence in Pakistan\u2019s economic potential. By ensuring internal stability, he directly reinforced an environment conducive to economic recovery\u2014a role often overlooked but vital for national progress.
\nLeadership, in its true sense, is a gift bestowed by Allah upon whom He wills. As the Qur\u2019an reminds us, Allah grants honour to whom He wishes and brings low whom He wishes. When a nation witnesses the rise of a leader whose integrity, discipline, and devotion inspire faith, it must acknowledge that such elevation comes from a higher decree. General Syed Asim Munir\u2019s journey reflects that divine principle: perseverance rewarded, sincerity recognised, and service honoured.
\nJust as Javed Miandad\u2019s last-ball six became a timeless symbol of victory for Pakistan, the steadfast leadership of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir stands as a beacon of strength, pride, and security for the nation. Heroes in sports give us joy; heroes in uniform safeguard our existence. Pakistan\u2019s salute to its defenders is not merely tradition\u2014it is gratitude, carved into the nation\u2019s conscience.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Mohsin Iqbal On Friday April 18, 1986, the final match of the Austral-Asia Cup between Pakistan and India was awaited with a rare intensity. Even a day before the encounter, it felt as if the entire nation had paused in anticipation. The next day, households ensured every task was completed well before time, and people […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[10],"tags":[13631],"class_list":["post-519308","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","category-article","tag-mohsin-iqbal"],"yoast_head":"\n