CDF Asim Munir rejects impact of external terror, propaganda

QUETTA: Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of the Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir said on Tuesday that propaganda, fake news and externally backed terrorism would not be able to hinder Pakistan’s progress, according to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

The military’s media wing said the field marshal made the remarks during an interaction with officers and troops of formations deployed in Balochistan during his visit to Quetta. ISPR said he discussed the prevailing security situation and reaffirmed the armed forces’ resolve to eliminate terrorism in all its forms with the support of the public.

According to the statement, the military chief said hostile elements seeking to slow Pakistan’s progress through proxies and propaganda would not succeed because of the state’s resilience and the unity of the people.

“The field marshal emphasised that Pakistan’s destined rise cannot be obstructed through propaganda, fake news or externally sponsored terrorism,” he was quoted as saying in the ISPR statement.

ISPR said Field Marshal Munir also stressed that durable peace and stability in Balochistan required a people-centred approach, inclusive development and better governance alongside security measures. The statement added that he appreciated the efforts of the Balochistan government, saying it was focused on public welfare, socio-economic uplift and strengthening ties between the state and the people of the province.

Visit to Command and Staff College

During the Quetta visit, the field marshal also addressed student officers and faculty members at the Command and Staff College. ISPR said he praised the institution’s training standards, intellectual rigour and professionalism, describing these as defining features of the college.

The statement said he expressed satisfaction that the college’s graduates had continued to distinguish themselves through strong performance and commitment to their profession.

Field Marshal Munir also spoke about the changing nature of warfare, highlighting the need to stay updated on emerging technologies, multi-domain operations, tri-services coordination and future battlefield challenges, according to ISPR.

The military’s media wing said he advised officers to continue training themselves and their troops so they could respond effectively to evolving forms of war while maintaining high standards of professionalism, preparedness and operational excellence.

Troops’ morale and arrival in Quetta

ISPR said the army chief also commended the morale, operational readiness and professional commitment of officers and troops serving in Balochistan for their role in maintaining peace, stability and the writ of the state in the province.

Upon his arrival in Quetta, Field Marshal Munir was received by the Quetta Corps commander, the statement added.

The visit, as described by ISPR, focused on the security environment in Balochistan, the armed forces’ counterterrorism commitment and the importance of governance and development measures alongside security efforts in the province.