RAWALPINDI – Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir on Friday identified India as the leading state sponsor of terrorism in the region, urging neighbouring countries to remain vigilant against its proxy operations.
Speaking to participants of the 52nd Common Training Programme, Field Marshal Munir underscored Pakistan’s desire for peaceful relations with Afghanistan. However, he made it clear that such goodwill must not come at the cost of security. “Pakistan expects that no space will be given to India’s terror proxies — Fitna al-Hindustan and Fitna al-Khawarij — within Afghan territory,” he said.
The army chief stated unequivocally that Pakistan will never accept Indian dominance. “We have never bowed to India and we never will,” he affirmed.
Field Marshal Munir described India’s own internal challenges with terrorism as a product of its systemic mistreatment of minorities, particularly Muslims. “Their policies of exclusion and oppression are feeding instability within their own borders,” he noted.
Reflecting on recent events, Munir pointed to Pakistan’s resolute military response during Ma’rakah-e-Haq, a confrontation that spanned from the Line of Control to coastal defenses. He described it as a firm and justified reply to India’s unwarranted aggression.
The April 22 incident in Indian-Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed 26 lives, marked the beginning of the most intense Pakistan-India hostilities in decades. India held Pakistan responsible, an allegation strongly rejected by Islamabad. In retaliation to Indian attacks that martyred over 50 people, including security personnel, Pakistan downed several Indian aircraft and hit military targets. The United States later intervened diplomatically to de-escalate the conflict.
“We stood firm because we stood with truth,” the COAS said, attributing Pakistan’s strength to divine support and national unity.
He emphasized the importance of cooperation among all pillars of the state — including the civil administration and bureaucracy — calling them vital to national harmony. “No system is flawless,” he said, “but it’s your responsibility to keep weaknesses from taking over.”
Urging officers to uphold national values, he encouraged them to embrace “Pakistaniyat” over ethnic or regional identities. “Nations that ignore their history risk losing their future,” he warned.
He concluded by stressing the importance of character above all else. “If you must choose between courage, competence, and character — always choose character,” he advised.
