In a recent meeting held in Peshawar, General Syed Asim Munir, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), reiterated the Pakistan Army's unwavering commitment to maintaining stability and sovereignty within the country.
Addressing political leaders from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), General Munir emphasized that the military’s primary focus remains on ensuring the peace and security of the nation without engaging in large-scale military operations.
The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the military’s media wing, confirmed that the army chief’s discussions revolved around collaborative efforts to combat terrorism effectively.
These efforts aim to target specific threats through intelligence-based operations rather than launching broad military campaigns.
Efforts to Combat Cross-Border Terrorism
During the discussions, General Munir made it clear that Pakistan seeks peace with its neighboring country Afghanistan but will not tolerate the presence of terrorist elements on Afghan soil.
He condemned the activities of fitna al-khawarij, a group responsible for cross-border terrorist incursions. This threat, he emphasized, would persist until Afghanistan takes concrete steps to eradicate these militant groups.
The army chief underscored Pakistan’s stance on regional peace and called for diplomatic engagement with Afghanistan to resolve security concerns.
However, he warned that Pakistan's patience has limits, and failure to address these challenges could strain bilateral relations.
General Munir also condemned propaganda campaigns that aim to create divisions between the military and the public. He attributed these false narratives to foreign agendas that seek to destabilize Pakistan.
The army chief stressed that such misinformation only hinders national progress and unity.
To counter these efforts, General Munir emphasized the need for collective unity among all political and societal segments.
He called for joint efforts to eradicate terrorism and promote harmony across the country. Unity, according to him, is vital for rapid improvement in security conditions.
Acknowledging past challenges faced by Pakistan, General Munir urged a forward-looking approach. He stated that mistakes made in the past should serve as learning experiences to enhance future policy decisions.
This, he emphasized, would allow for better planning and effective execution of national strategies.
The army chief expressed his commitment to corrective action and the swift implementation of policy adjustments that align with national priorities.
His approach focuses on collaboration and accountability to ensure long-term success in tackling security threats.
The Need for National Action Plan (NAP)
A key highlight from General Munir’s speech was his strong support for the National Action Plan (NAP).
He pointed out that all political parties in Pakistan have consensus on this plan, which aims to eradicate terrorism, curtail hate speech, and improve law enforcement mechanisms.
The army chief emphasized the urgent need for swift and effective implementation of NAP. He called for cooperation between civil and military authorities to ensure its success.
This plan, according to General Munir, is a critical step toward stabilizing the security landscape in Pakistan.
In his concluding remarks, General Munir reiterated the Quranic principle that warns against spreading mischief.
He emphasized that unity across all walks of life is essential for eradicating terrorism and building a resilient society.
He urged all political leaders, civil servants, and society influencers to work hand-in-hand with the military forces.
By fostering collaboration, Pakistan can achieve sustainable peace and stability, which are crucial for national development.
