Asim Munir says cross-border terrorism will be crushed with full state force

RAWALPINDI: Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of the Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir said on Wednesday that terrorism originating from across Pakistan’s borders would be defeated with the full force of the state, according to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations.

The army chief made the remarks while addressing graduating officers of the National Security and War Course at the National Defence University. The course included participants from all services, the military’s media wing said.

Address at National Defence University

In his address, Field Marshal Munir spoke about what he described as the changing nature of warfare and stressed the importance of strategic clarity and institutional professionalism in dealing with complex security challenges.

He also praised institutions such as the National Defence University for preparing future military and civilian leaders to respond to hybrid, conventional and sub-conventional threats with foresight, confidence and determination.

According to the ISPR statement, he said the Pakistan Armed Forces were adjusting their employment and development strategies in line with the changing character of warfare.

Remarks on security threats

The field marshal said the armed forces were fully aware of what he described as state-sponsored efforts by hostile intelligence agencies to destabilise Pakistan. He added that proxies and networks operating under the patronage of such agencies would not be allowed to damage the country’s internal security and economic progress.

He said the military, backed by the public, would act against militant sanctuaries and those assisting such groups. Field Marshal Munir said “The armed forces, with the support of the nation, will ensure that terrorist sanctuaries of these proxies along with their facilitators are completely dismantled”.

He also said wars are not won through media rhetoric or political sloganeering, but through faith, unity and discipline.

The army chief concluded by expressing confidence in the professionalism, morale and operational preparedness of Pakistan’s armed forces, and urged the graduating officers to remain committed to integrity, selfless service and dedication to the nation.