Field Marshal Munir vows to crush cross-border terrorism with 'full might of state'

• CDF and COAS says hostile intelligence agencies' bid to destabilise Pakistan will be defeated

• Warns proxy networks will not be allowed to undermine national security or economic progress

• Reaffirms military’s unwavering resolve to eliminate cross-border terrorism and its facilitators

• Says armed forces remain fully alert to evolving security threats against the country

 ISLAMABAD: Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and Chief of the Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir on Wednesday declared that Pakistan's armed forces remained fully alert to state-sponsored attempts by hostile intelligence agencies to destabilise the country, vowing that terrorism emanating from across the border would be defeated with the "full might of the state" and that no proxy network would be allowed to threaten Pakistan's peace, security or economic progress.

#ISPR
Rawalpindi, 8 July 2026

Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), HJ, Chief of Army Staff & Chief of Defence Forces of Pakistan visited National Defence University (NDU), Islamabad today where he addressed the graduating officers of the National Security and War Course… pic.twitter.com/lApEZfPdxf

— Pakistan Armed Forces News 🇵🇰 (@PakistanFauj) July 8, 2026

In a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the CDF reaffirmed that the armed forces remained fully aware of state-sponsored efforts by hostile intelligence agencies to undermine Pakistan's stability and reiterated that such proxy networks would not be allowed to compromise the country's internal security or economic prosperity.

Field Marshal Munir made the remarks at the National Defence University (NDU) in Islamabad during his address to graduating officers of the National Security and War Course, comprising participants from all services.

#ISPR
Rawalpindi, 8 July 2026

Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), HJ, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) & Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) of Pakistan visited National Defence University (NDU), Islamabad today where he addressed the graduating officers of the National Security and War… pic.twitter.com/Z03viIuZKD

— Pakistan Armed Forces News 🇵🇰 (@PakistanFauj) July 8, 2026

Earlier in the day, ISPR Director General Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry held a press briefing and said four civilians, 27 policemen and 11 security personnel had been martyred, while 54 terrorists had been killed in attacks and subsequent operations in Balochistan since July 5.

“Efforts of such proxies and networks, which operate under the tutelage of hostile intelligence agencies, are futile and will not be allowed to undermine Pakistan’s internal security and economic prosperity,” the military’s media wing quoted the CDF as saying.

In his address, the army chief also highlighted the changing nature of warfare and stressed the importance of strategic clarity and institutional professionalism in dealing with complex security challenges.

He praised institutions such as the NDU for preparing future military and civilian leaders capable of addressing hybrid, conventional and sub-conventional threats with foresight, confidence and resolve.

The CDF further said the Pakistan Armed Forces were adapting their operational and development strategies in line with the evolving character of warfare.

“Wars are not won through media rhetoric or political sloganeering but through faith, unity and discipline.”

He further expressed confidence in the professionalism, morale and operational readiness of the Pakistan Armed Forces, urging graduating officers to uphold the values of integrity, selfless service and unwavering commitment to the nation, added the statement.

Earlier, upon his arrival, the field marshal was received by the NDU president.

A series of high-profile terrorist attacks have occurred in Balochistan over the last few days — an armed attack on the outskirts of Quetta on July 5, an assault on a police post in Ziarat on July 6, and an ambush on an army convoy in Bela today.

Data from the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS) showed that despite several high-profile attacks, Pakistan witnessed a decline in overall anti-state violence and related security incidents during the month of June.

Providing a province-wise breakdown for June, PICSS observed that Balochistan witnessed a “significant decline” in terrorism.

The province recorded 49 attacks in June compared with 71 in May, marking a 31pc reduction.