Pakistan desires peace but won’t tolerate cross-border terror: Field Marshal Munir

• COAS says peace with neighbours possible, not at cost of sovereignty
• Warns Afghan soil must not be used for terrorism against Pakistan
• Army chief visits Peshawar, hold extensive interactive session with a Jirga of tribal elders
• Reviews border security and counterterror efforts, vows KP, tribal districts to be fully purged of terror networks

PESHAWAR: Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir on Thursday reaffirmed that Pakistan desires peaceful relations with all neighbouring countries, including Afghanistan, but made it clear that Islamabad will not allow its soil to be targeted or cross-border terrorism to be perpetrated from Afghan territory, according to the military’s media wing. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the army chief made these remarks during his visit to Peshawar, where he held an extensive interactive session with a Jirga of tribal elders and received a detailed briefing at Headquarters 11 Corps. The briefing focused on the prevailing security environment, operational preparedness, and the ongoing counterterrorism operations aimed at ensuring peace and stability along the Pak-Afghan border.

#ISPR Rawalpindi, 30 October, 2025: Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), HJ, Chief of Army Staff (COAS), #Pakistan Army, visited Peshawar, today During the visit, the #COAS had an interactive session with Jirga of tribal elders in Peshawar. Later on, he was given a… pic.twitter.com/SRsh685yNH

— Pakistan Armed Forces News 🇵🇰 (@PakistanFauj) October 30, 2025

Field Marshal Munir emphasized that while Pakistan has extended diplomatic and economic overtures to the Afghan Taliban regime in the spirit of regional cooperation, cross-border attacks from Afghan soil have persisted—a situation Pakistan can no longer tolerate. He cautioned that the country's patience should not be mistaken for weakness. “Pakistan continues to advocate peace, but it will never allow its sovereignty to be compromised,” he said, underscoring that national security remains non-negotiable. The Army chief commended the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, especially the tribal communities, for their unwavering and unconditional support of the armed forces throughout Pakistan’s decades-long struggle against terrorism. He lauded their resilience and sacrifices, particularly during the recent standoff between Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban. Addressing the tribal elders, Field Marshal Munir highlighted that Pakistan seeks harmony and stability in the region but has been compelled to act firmly against terror outfits being harboured across the border. He noted that instead of curbing the activities of militant proxies—including what he described as “Indian-sponsored elements such as the Fitna al-Khawarij and Fitna al-Hindustan”—the Afghan Taliban regime has been providing them support. “Pakistan will defend its territorial integrity at all costs and will not allow any external threat to destabilize our peace efforts,” he warned. The tribal elders, in response, expressed complete solidarity with the armed forces and reaffirmed their resolve to stand united against terrorism and extremist ideologies. They assured that the deviant mindset of the Khawarij—a reference to militant extremism—held no acceptance among the tribal population. During the interaction, Field Marshal Munir assured the elders that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and other affected regions will be fully purged of terrorist elements and their facilitators. He reiterated that Pakistan’s security forces remain resolute in eradicating terrorism in all its manifestations to ensure enduring peace and stability across the country. The meeting concluded with mutual reaffirmations of trust and cooperation between the military leadership and tribal representatives. The elders appreciated the Army’s steadfast commitment to national security and pledged continued support for the state’s counterterrorism mission.