BRUSSELS – Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, firmly dismissed rumors about a potential leadership change in Pakistan’s military, calling such speculation “baseless and malicious.” Speaking at a high-profile event in Brussels, the army chief stated that these rumors are spread by elements opposed to both the government and the state’s institutions.
“God has made me the protector of this country. Beyond this responsibility, I seek no other position,” said COAS Asim Munir, reaffirming his commitment to the military and constitutional order.
Touching on foreign policy, Field Marshal Munir emphasized Pakistan’s long-standing diplomatic balancing act between China and the United States, asserting that Islamabad would not compromise one relationship for the sake of another. “We will not sacrifice one friend for another,” he said, underlining Pakistan’s neutral and strategic diplomacy.
The army chief also appreciated former US President Donald Trump’s efforts for global peace, mentioning that Pakistan was the first to propose his name for the Nobel Peace Prize, a gesture later followed by other countries.
Strong Words for India, Praise for Civilian Leadership
During his address, COAS Munir issued a stern warning to India against using proxies to destabilize Pakistan. He also urged the Afghan government to cease its support for cross-border infiltration by Taliban fighters, stating, “It is our duty to avenge the blood of every Pakistani.”
Field Marshal Munir was warmly received by the Pakistani diaspora in Brussels, where he was greeted as a “victor of war.” In a show of humility, he stood for hours meeting each expatriate individually, despite protocol advice to the contrary. “How can I break the hearts of those who came from afar?” he remarked.
He also commended Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and his cabinet, praising their tireless efforts during the war and highlighting their “18-hour workdays” as a mark of their dedication and resolve.
