ISLAMABAD: Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir has cautioned against the growing threat of “Fitna-tul-Khawarij,” referring to the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), highlighting its role as a breeding ground for global terrorism. Speaking at the Margalla Dialogue 2024, organized by the Islamabad Policy Research Institute (IPRI), Gen Munir addressed Pakistan’s commitment to fostering regional peace amidst evolving global challenges.
The army chief stressed the destabilizing impact of misinformation, calling for regulations to counter the spread of disinformation and hate speech. He described unregulated freedom of expression as a factor eroding moral values and fueling divisions along religious and ethnic lines.
On combating terrorism, Gen Munir reiterated Pakistan’s determination to eradicate the menace, emphasizing the need for Afghanistan to ensure its soil is not used for terrorist activities. He highlighted the “Azm-e-Istahkam” campaign under Pakistan’s National Action Plan as pivotal in addressing extremism.
Gen Munir also criticized India’s Hindutva ideology for threatening regional peace and urged for the resolution of the Kashmir dispute under UN guidelines. Reaffirming Pakistan’s unwavering support for Palestine, he called for global solidarity in addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and Lebanon.
Highlighting Pakistan’s strengths, he pointed to its youthful population, abundant natural resources, and strategic location as key assets for regional trade and economic growth. Gen Munir reaffirmed Pakistan’s role as a contributor to global peace, with a history of service in UN peacekeeping missions, while pledging continued efforts to promote stability at home and abroad.
