Rawalpindi: Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Asim Munir on Tuesday issued a powerful and unequivocal message any violation of Pakistan’s territorial integrity, whether direct or indirect, will invite a firm, swift, and decisive response. His statement comes at a time of rising regional tensions with cross-border clashes erupting along the Afghan frontier and sharp rhetoric emerging from India’s civil-military leadership.
Speaking at the 17th National Workshop Balochistan held at the General Headquarters (GHQ), the Army Chief reiterated that Pakistan seeks peace and stability in the region, but will never compromise on its sovereignty or security. He emphasized that the Fitna al-Hindustan and Fitna al-Khawarij terms used for Indian-backed proxies and the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) respectively are engaged in spreading anti-people and anti-development propaganda aimed at destabilizing the country, particularly Balochistan. All necessary actions are being taken to root out these enemies of peace, the ISPR quoted him as saying.
Field Marshal Munir praised Baluchistan as the pride of Pakistan, endowed with vibrant and patriotic people who represent the province’s true wealth. He highlighted the federal and provincial governments’ ongoing development initiatives, aimed at transforming the province’s socio-economic landscape through a people-centric approach. He urged all segments of society, especially the youth, to stay engaged in nation-building and reject vested political interests that threaten long-term stability.
The Army Chief’s remarks also followed his earlier warning to India that any imaginary new normal it envisions would be met with a “new normal of swift retributive response.” He had recently cautioned that in a nuclearized region, there is no space for war, stressing that Pakistan’s victory in the May conflict with India was a testament to its military readiness and strategic resolve.
Referring to the situation in Afghanistan, Field Marshal Munir called upon the Taliban regime to rein in terror proxies operating from its soil. Like our victory in the conventional domain, every state proxy of our neighbor will be reduced to dust God willing, he vowed, reaffirming Pakistan’s determination to protect its borders, people, and national pride at all costs.
The Army Chief’s firm stance comes amid renewed hostilities following India’s Operation Sindoor in May, which targeted alleged militant sites inside Pakistan, resulting in civilian casualties. Pakistan retaliated with Operation Bunyanul Marsoos, leading to intense exchanges before a US-led ceasefire initiative temporarily de-escalated tensions.