CDF Munir vows to continue campaign against ‘Indian-sponsored’ terrorist groups

Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, the Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces, assured on Friday that the military will persist in its efforts to combat "Indian-sponsored terrorist groups." These groups, he declared, would face significant repercussions wherever they were located. During a tour of the Corps Headquarters in Peshawar, Munir was given an update on the current security landscape, ongoing counterterrorism initiatives, border security protocols, and the operational readiness of the armed forces stationed in the region, as per the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

He praised the morale and professionalism of the troops and ordered them to remain on high alert and adhere to the strictest operational standards to effectively counter emerging threats. Expressing gratitude for the sacrifices of the Pakistani populace, including the lives lost or endangered by security forces, Munir expressed confidence that, with widespread public support, Pakistan would successfully vanquish terrorists and their ideology.

He was greeted by the commander of the Peshawar Corps upon arrival, according to the ISPR. This development occurred the day after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif defended the implementation of emergency and governor's rule in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, citing a deteriorating security situation and a resurgence of terrorism, while blaming the former Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government for undermining counterterrorism efforts.

At a high-level meeting of the Apex Committee, Sharif stated that the government had no choice but to take such measures due to the worsening security conditions in the province. He also accused the previous PTI administration of allowing terrorists to return, alleging that their actions had eroded the progress achieved in the fight against terrorism.