Pakistan Seeks Peace with All Neighbours but Will Not Allow Cross-Border Militancy: COAS Munir
Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir has reaffirmed Pakistan’s desire for peace with all its neighbouring countries, including Afghanistan. However, he warned that Pakistan will not tolerate cross-border militancy from Afghan soil.
According to a statement from the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Field Marshal Munir made these remarks during his visit to Peshawar, where he held an interactive session with tribal elders. He also received a detailed briefing at Headquarters 11 Corps on the prevailing secu-rity environment, operational readiness, and ongoing counter-militancy operations aimed at ensuring stability along the Pak-Afghan border.
Diplomatic Patience and Regional Challenges
The army chief noted that despite continued incidents of cross-border militancy, Pakistan has consistently exercised restraint and extended multiple diplomatic and economic overtures to the Afghan government. These efforts, he said, were aimed at fostering peace and stability in the region.
Field Marshal Munir, however, expressed concern over the Afghan Taliban’s alleged support for groups involved in destabilizing Pakistan. “Instead of acting decisively against Indian-sponsored proxies — Fitna al Khwarij and Fitna al Hindustan — the regime in Kabul has been extending assistance to them,” he said.
The terms Fitna al Khwarij and Fitna al Hindustan are used by the state to describe militant factions, including the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and certain Balochistan-based networks, accused of receiving foreign backing.
Support from Tribal Elders
During the session, tribal elders expressed their full support for the Pakistan Army’s counter-militancy operations and rejected extremist ideologies. They emphasized that the twisted narrative of Fitna al Khwarij holds no ground in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Field Marshal Munir praised the courage and resilience of the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and acknowledged their sacrifices in the fight against militancy. He assured them that Pakistan, especially the tribal areas, would be fully cleansed of militant elements and their facilitators.
Ongoing Efforts for Stability
The COAS also commended the steadfast cooperation of local communities with the armed forces during recent tensions with Afghanistan. He reiterated that Pakistan’s stance remains clear — peace will be pursued through dialogue, but any aggression or militancy originating from Afghan soil will face a firm response.
The tribal elders, in turn, voiced confidence in the army’s leadership and reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining peace and unity. The event concluded with a mutual understanding of continued collaboration for regional stability.
