Leading from the front.

The concept of leading from the front is most relevant to armies that are engaged in active operations. Wars are fought and won only when led bravely by military commanders. Pakistan has, ever since its independence in 1947, been engaged in active operations, may it be a war against India, engagement on the Line of Control, a war against terrorism, or international peacekeeping. Pakistan Army is blessed to have professional and courageous officers and men who never shy to put their lives in the line of duty. Our officers' corps is a proud custodian of valour and the lofty tradition of leading from the front. As many as 560 young officers of the Pakistan Military have embraced martyrdom to date in the war against terror. According to the international index on the Troops to Officers' Casualty Ratio (TOCR) of militaries around the world, the TOCR of the Pakistan Army has always been very high.

Before the war on terror, it was as high as 1:12 i.e for every 12 soldiers they lost an officer. Now it has risen to 1:9. Every officer's and soldier's story is a story of unprecedented courage, sacrifice and love for their country. The highest standard of training and motivation has made our soldiers fearless. Patriotism and integrity are their hallmarks. Fear is the most destructive emotion in the presence of the mind, but it thrives on the unknown, which lets our imaginations run wild. They have learned to confront and overcome the fear of the unknown, hesitation, and being on the battlefield.

By deliberately putting yourself in situations where you have to face fear, you familiarise yourself with it and your anxiety grows less acute. Having spent 4: 5 years, at the average by every soldier and officer in the operation area, has made our soldiers the most battle: hardened army in the world. Senior commanders including Army Chief's motivation and regular interaction with troops keep their motivation high. Our young officers have written new chapters of valour and sacrifice for their motherland. Officer to soldier ratio of martyrdom in this war is the highest in military history. Ours is not a missionary Army. They are the soldiers of Pakistan. They live and die for Pakistan. Another factor of motivation for our soldiers is the pride and sense of honour belonging to an Army which is globally renowned for its rich traditions of valour. Our officers and men will never give in to fear. They would never lose their presence of mind in war.

In a recently...