ISLAMABAD: Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir has issued a stern warning to those attempting to obstruct the army’s efforts in combating terrorism in Pakistan, stating that such actions will have consequences. His comments came during an address at the apex committee meeting in Islamabad on Tuesday.
“Anyone who obstructs Pakistan’s security efforts and hinders their work will face consequences,” General Munir emphasized, as the country grapples with an increase in terrorist attacks.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who chaired the meeting, affirmed that “there is no option but to crush terrorism” in the country. The meeting was attended by senior civil and military leadership, including the heads of intelligence agencies, provincial chief ministers, and key federal ministers.
The discussions centered on improving coordination between provincial and federal governments, enhancing intelligence sharing, and addressing the root causes behind the rising incidents of terrorism in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Balochistan. Participants were briefed on the progress of intelligence-based operations (IBOs) in these areas.
Pakistan has witnessed a surge in militancy since the Afghan Taliban’s return to power in 2021, with local terror groups, including the Pakistani Taliban, carrying out frequent attacks, mostly targeting security forces. Recent terrorist activities have also included attacks on civilians and Chinese nationals in KP, Balochistan, and Karachi.
In one such attack last week, seven security personnel were martyred in an exchange of fire with terrorists in the Shah-e-Mardan area of Kalat district in Balochistan, as they attempted to assault a security post.
“The Pakistan Army and law enforcement agencies are continuously addressing governance challenges, even at the cost of their own lives,” General Munir remarked, underscoring the sacrifices made by the security forces. “Every Pakistani is a soldier in the war against terrorism, whether in uniform or not,” he added, stressing the importance of national unity in the fight against terrorism.
The army chief also emphasized that the Constitution of Pakistan is “paramount” for all citizens, reaffirming that it places the responsibility for both internal and external security on every individual in the country.
