TLDR:
Army chief denies large-scale operations.
Intelligence-based actions planned for militants.
State stability emphasised as crucial.
PESHAWAR (The Thursday Times) — The Army Chief, General Asim Munir, has categorically dismissed claims of a major military operation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, stating there is no territorial control by insurgents in any part of Pakistan. He highlighted the state’s policy of targeted, intelligence-driven actions against militants and reiterated that the stability of the state is essential for its politics to thrive.
Army chief’s interaction with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa leaders
The Army Chief’s visit to Peshawar involved a pivotal meeting with the province’s political leaders, including the Chief Minister, Governor, and members of major political parties. This interaction aimed to strengthen civil-military coordination against militancy and discuss measures for restoring peace and order in the region. General Munir emphasised unity among political factions to counter terrorism effectively.
No large-scale military operation planned
General Munir clarified that no sweeping military operation is underway in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Instead, intelligence-based operations will target militant networks based on reliable information. The state’s security forces, unified in their strategy, have achieved significant success in dismantling terrorist networks and neutralising their facilitators.
The state as the foundation of stability
The Army Chief underscored the importance of state stability, stating that politics and governance can only function in the presence of a strong state. He urged all stakeholders to prioritise the collective good over individual interests and emphasised the need to address terrorism without discrimination or bias.
Agreement on the National Action Plan
General Munir praised the political consensus on the National Action Plan and called for its accelerated implementation. He stressed that the unity of purpose and collective sacrifices would help eradicate the threats posed by militant groups. The military’s commitment to upholding state security remains unwavering.
Afghanistan relations and regional security
The Chief highlighted Pakistan’s desire for amicable relations with Afghanistan while pointing out disagreements regarding cross-border terrorism and the presence of militant groups. He reaffirmed the military’s success in destroying terrorist infrastructure and urged Afghanistan to address these issues to improve bilateral ties.