Urges Afghanistan not to host Indian-backed terror proxies; Army prepared for modern warfare demands; Says civil service holds national harmony responsibility
Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff, has termed India as the biggest state sponsor of terrorism in the region, calling on neighbouring countries to remain vigilant against Indian proxy networks.
Addressing officers of the 52nd Common Training Programme on Friday, COAS Munir stressed that Pakistan desires friendly ties with Afghanistan, a brotherly Islamic country, but expects it not to provide space to India’s terror proxies, Fitna al-Hindustan and Fitna al-Khawarij.
“India is the largest sponsor of terrorism in the region,” he said, warning that Pakistan would never accept Indian hegemony. “We have never bowed before India, nor will we ever do so.”
The army chief said that terrorism is India’s internal issue, stemming from its discriminatory and violent treatment of its minorities, particularly Muslims.
The COAS highlighted the crucial role of a transparent and efficient civil bureaucracy in national development, stressing that its service-based structure is indispensable in the state system.
He further emphasised the need for institutional cohesion and mutual understanding between civil and military leadership.
Regarding Pakistan’s defence preparedness, Field Marshal Munir said that the armed forces remain fully prepared to meet modern warfare requirements.
He credited Pakistan’s strong response during Ma’rakah-e-Haq — from the Line of Control to the country’s shores — as a decisive reply to India’s unwarranted aggression.
Field Marshal Munir highlighted that Allah’s support was with Pakistan during the confrontation because the country stood on the side of truth. He also spoke of the importance of unity among all state institutions, stating that the administration and civil bureaucracy were the foundation of harmony and that their responsibilities were crucial.
Underscoring the value of history and national identity, COAS Munir urged the officers to embrace the identity of Pakistaniyat over individual or regional affiliations. “Nations that forget their history lose their future.”
Calling on officers to develop courage, competence, and character, he emphasised that if one must choose among the three, the character should always be prioritised.
“Every system has flaws,” the army chief acknowledged, “but your job is to ensure that weaknesses and negative forces do not overpower the system”.
He further added that national progress requires strong ties between the public, government, and the armed forces, and that love and loyalty to the country must remain the foremost principle.
The officers, during their training, had been closely associated with Pakistan Army formations in operational areas such as Kashmir, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.
In his address, the COAS discussed national security, internal and external challenges and the vital role of the armed forces in safeguarding regional peace and stability.
He urged the officers to embody the highest standards of integrity, professionalism and patriotism in their duties.
