Lahore – In a significant initiative aimed at fostering awareness, unity, and patriotism among the youth, Director General Inter-Services Public Relations (DG ISPR), Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif, held a special interactive session with students at the historic Government College University (GCU) Lahore. The session served as a vital platform for engaging discussions on national security, regional threats, youth empowerment, and Pakistan’s military achievements.
The event was warmly received by the GCU student body and faculty, symbolizing a growing connection between Pakistan’s armed forces and the academic community. Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif’s detailed briefing focused on strategic victories such as Operation Sindoor and Operation Banyan Marsus, underscoring the vigilance and valor of the Pakistan Army in defending the nation’s sovereignty.
Opening of the Session: A Historic Moment for GCU
The special session commenced with a warm welcome extended to DG ISPR Ahmed Sharif by the university’s vice-chancellor, professors, and student representatives. Government College University, one of Pakistan’s most prestigious educational institutions, boasts a legacy of producing thought leaders, academics, and patriots, making it a fitting venue for a session centered on national pride and military professionalism.
This high-profile session was part of the Pakistan Armed Forces’ ongoing outreach program to strengthen civil-military relations and foster national awareness among the country’s youth, especially students of higher education.
Highlighting National Defense: Operation Sindoor and Operation Banyan Marsus
Defeating India’s Operation Sindoor
During the session, Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif provided an in-depth analysis of Operation Sindoor, a covert plan allegedly devised by India to destabilize Pakistan through hybrid warfare tactics. The DG ISPR revealed how Pakistan’s intelligence and defense mechanisms played a pivotal role in identifying and neutralizing this threat.
He described how Pakistan’s military intelligence, cyber warfare units, and ground forces worked in close coordination to dismantle the operational framework of Operation Sindoor. The plan, which aimed to incite unrest in Pakistan’s border regions, was effectively countered through timely strategic responses and robust national coordination.
This decisive action not only foiled India’s objectives but also reinforced Pakistan’s defense capabilities on the international front. The session underscored the importance of vigilance, national unity, and youth involvement in maintaining internal security and thwarting external aggression.
Victory in the Battle of Haq – Operation Banyan Marsus
Another key highlight of the session was the discussion on Operation Banyan Marsus, also known as the Battle of Haq. The DG ISPR referred to it as a symbol of military excellence, courage, and strategic planning by the Pakistan Army.
According to Lieutenant General Sharif, this battle showcased extraordinary unity between the armed forces and the civilian population, especially the youth, who demonstrated unparalleled patriotism and mental resilience in the face of adversity.
He explained how this operation, though shrouded in limited public detail due to its classified nature, was a defining moment in Pakistan’s modern military history, asserting the army’s supremacy in asymmetric warfare, counterterrorism, and national defense.
Youth Engagement: Questions on Security and National Development
One of the most compelling aspects of the session was the open Q&A segment, where students of GCU Lahore actively engaged the DG ISPR with thoughtful and bold questions. Topics ranged from national security, cyber warfare, hybrid threats, defense policy, regional diplomacy, to economic stability and youth roles in nation-building.
Students asked:
- How does the Pakistan Army prepare for hybrid warfare threats in the age of cyber conflict?
- What role can students and universities play in safeguarding national interests?
- How is the military adapting to emerging threats in the region?
- What steps are being taken to counter disinformation and fake news campaigns?
Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif answered each question with clarity, transparency, and optimism, encouraging students to embrace knowledge, critical thinking, and innovation as tools of national strength. He praised the intellectual caliber of GCU students and emphasized that national defense is not limited to the battlefield but extends to all sectors, including education, technology, and media.
Cultural Tribute to the Armed Forces: A Musical Salute
At the conclusion of the session, GCU students presented a powerful and emotional tribute to the Pakistan Army through a patriotic national song, reflecting the deep bond between the military and the youth. The tribute, marked by passion and artistic expression, earned applause from the audience, including the DG ISPR and accompanying military officers.
This gesture symbolized national unity, cultural pride, and unwavering respect for the sacrifices made by Pakistan’s armed forces in defending the nation from internal and external threats.
Youth and National Security: A Shared Responsibility
Encouraging Future Leaders
The DG ISPR highlighted the importance of involving young minds in the process of nation-building and defense strategy. He encouraged students to:
- Stay informed about national and international affairs
- Reject extremism and resist divisive ideologies
- Promote peace, tolerance, and unity
- Participate in civic duties, innovation, and community development
The session emphasized that Pakistan’s future lies in the hands of its educated youth, who must play an active role in shaping policy, defending democratic values, and safeguarding national interests.
Legacy of GCU Lahore: A Hub of Intellectual and National Excellence
Established in 1864, Government College University Lahore has a proud tradition of producing luminaries in every field, including literature, science, politics, and the armed forces. The session with DG ISPR further cemented the university’s status as a platform for national discourse and leadership development.
Students expressed immense pride in hosting such a significant national event and urged that similar sessions be conducted regularly to strengthen the bond between Pakistan’s defense institutions and academic bodies.
DG ISPR’s Closing Remarks: A Call for Unity and Resilience
In his concluding remarks, Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif reiterated that Pakistan stands at a critical juncture in history, facing both opportunities and challenges. He stressed the need for resilience, unity, and collective action in overcoming threats to the nation’s peace and prosperity.
He also emphasized the positive role of media, technology, and education in strengthening democracy, countering extremism, and promoting a modern, secure, and progressive Pakistan.
Conclusion: Bridging the Gap Between Armed Forces and Academia
The special session between DG ISPR and GCU Lahore students marked a significant step in bridging the gap between military leadership and the country’s youth. Through transparent dialogue, detailed briefings, and cultural exchange, the event served as a model for national engagement.
It reaffirmed the message that every Pakistani, especially the youth, is a stakeholder in the nation’s defense and future, and that informed, educated, and united citizens form the strongest defense line against any threat.
