Cross-border terrorism to be crushed with full might of state: Field Marshal Munir

Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir on Wednesday vowed that terrorism originating from across Pakistan’s borders would be defeated with the “full might of the state,” saying hostile intelligence-backed proxy networks would not be allowed to destabilise the country. According to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the field marshal said the armed forces remained fully aware of state-sponsored efforts by hostile intelligence agencies to undermine Pakistan’s internal security and economic stability. “Efforts of such proxies and networks, operating under the tutelage of hostile intelligence agencies, are futile and will not be allowed to undermine Pakistan’s internal security and economic prosperity,” he said. The remarks came hours after ISPR Director General Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry disclosed that 42 civilians and security personnel — including four civilians, 27 policemen and 11 soldiers — had been martyred, while 54 terrorists were killed during terrorist attacks and subsequent security operations in Balochistan since July 5. Field Marshal Munir made the remarks while addressing graduating officers of the National Security and War Course at the National Defence University (NDU) in Islamabad. Highlighting the evolving nature of modern warfare, he stressed the need for strategic clarity, institutional professionalism and preparedness to tackle hybrid, conventional and sub-conventional threats. He said institutions such as the NDU play a vital role in preparing future military and civilian leaders to respond to increasingly complex security challenges effectively. The army chief said the Pakistan Armed Forces were continuously adapting their operational concepts and development strategies to meet the demands of the changing battlefield. “Wars are not won through media rhetoric or political sloganeering, but through faith, unity and discipline,” he said. He also expressed confidence in the professionalism, morale and operational readiness of the armed forces and urged the graduating officers to uphold the values of integrity, selfless service and unwavering commitment to the nation. The ISPR said the field marshal was received by the president of the National Defence University upon his arrival.