Field Marshal’s Black-Tie Event in Tampa: The Honor of the Nation, the Testimony of Truth, and a Resounding Reply to False Propaganda
By: Raja Zahid Akhtar Khanzada
Words are never mere sentences; they are the mirror of a nation’s soul.
An analogy, an example, a single phrase—these can fill hearts with courage, and if twisted in the wrong direction, can extinguish the flame of hope.
Before I begin this column, it is important to clarify something so the readers can fully understand:
A Dumper is the vehicle that carries soil and gravel for road construction,
whereas a Dump Truck is the one that hauls garbage.
This is not just a difference in machinery—it is a difference in intention and meaning.
On the evening of August 10, 2025, in the city of Tampa, Florida, at a black-tie dinner, The event was hosted by the renowned Pakistani-American businessman, Adnan Asad.
Pakistan’s Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir addressed the Pakistani community for nearly two and a half hours.
I was there, present not only as a journalist but as a witness.
In his words, there was the resolve of a soldier and the heartache of a father.
It was the moment he challenged India’s arrogance and conceit.
Giving an example, he said:
“India considers itself a great economy in the world, but if a Mercedes car collides with a dumper, the greater damage will be to the Mercedes.”
This was not just a statement—it was a metaphor, a symbol of Pakistan’s strength, determination, and resilience.
But alas…
Certain overseas social media vloggers associated with PTI twisted this analogy into a false narrative, claiming that the Field Marshal had compared Pakistan to a garbage truck.
This was dishonesty—a fabrication so malicious that even an enemy would think twice before spreading it.
What is shocking is that even the Indian media did not go to such extremes of malicious distortion,
yet individuals calling themselves Pakistanis did.
The Field Marshal never said that Pakistan would destroy half the world.
He said Pakistan is a nation forged in steel,
and if the time comes, he would even sacrifice his own son for the homeland.
He said we are not India, not Bangladesh, not Bhutan, and not Sri Lanka.
We are a nuclear power, not weak—and if the security of the nation is threatened, we will not hesitate to use that power.
During his speech, he sent a clear message: if India builds a dam on Kashmir, one missile would be enough to obliterate it.
He recalled Operation Sindoor in May 2025,
where Pakistan destroyed Indian fighter jets and the S-400 air defense system,
proving to the world its defensive capability.
He exposed the role of the Indian intelligence agency “RAW” in creating instability in the region,
stating that Pakistan had already presented concrete evidence of this to the international community.
At the event, he also spoke about Pakistan’s mineral resources, economic goals, and dreams for the future—
that Pakistan will be part of the G-10 by 2036 and the G-5 by 2045,
and that if mineral resources are properly utilized, Pakistan could repay all IMF loans within three years.
He rejected any negotiations with terrorists, declaring they must lay down arms and accept the writ of the state.
The black-tie event was attended by politicians, community leaders, and ordinary Pakistanis.
I saw with my own eyes how the Field Marshal answered every question with patience and dignity,
even when there was a lengthy and heated exchange over the matter of Dr. Aafia Siddiqui.
He listened calmly and said Pakistan was willing to exchange Dr. Aafia for Shakeel Afridi, should the U.S. agree.
But…
To take such a serious and nationally dignified speech and distort it on social media,
to manufacture and spread a false narrative—
this is not mere propaganda; it is knowingly strengthening the enemy’s agenda with your own hands.
Politics has its place, and differences of opinion have their place—
but do not make the homeland fuel for personal grudges.
Think: whose weapon are your words becoming?
I have no affiliation with politics, I am neither a supporter nor an opponent of any party.
I am simply a Pakistani, and I believe with all my heart:
“If Pakistan exists, we all exist.”
I appeal to my friends—
do not tarnish the nation’s name in the fire of personal enmity, for the honor of the homeland comes above all else.
And as Allama Iqbal, the Poet of the East, once said:
“My style of speech may not be overly flamboyant,
But perhaps my words will find their way into your heart.”
