Peshawar Meeting Underscores Pakistan’s Commitment to National Security and Regional Stability
PESHAWAR, PAKISTAN – In a significant meeting held in Peshawar, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir engaged with key political leaders from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) to address critical concerns surrounding the province’s security and stability. General Munir’s visit underscored the Pakistan Army’s commitment to fostering dialogue and collaboration with political stakeholders in addressing the complex challenges facing the region. The discussions focused on a range of issues, including cross-border terrorism, the fight against extremism, and the importance of national unity.
The COAS unequivocally reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering dedication to its national interests, emphasizing a policy centered solely on Pakistan’s well-being and security. This firm stance highlights the nation’s commitment to safeguarding its sovereignty and prioritizing its internal stability above all external pressures. General Munir’s statement served as a clear message of resolve to protect Pakistan’s interests and pursue policies that best serve its citizens.
Addressing the delicate issue of relations with Afghanistan, General Munir affirmed Pakistan’s recognition of Afghanistan as a brotherly Islamic neighbor and reiterated the country’s consistent desire to cultivate stronger bilateral ties. He expressed Pakistan’s aspiration for a peaceful and stable Afghanistan, acknowledging the shared history and cultural bonds between the two nations. However, the COAS candidly acknowledged a major obstacle hindering the full realization of this aspiration: the presence of extremist groups, referred to as Khwarij, within Afghanistan and their engagement in cross-border terrorist activities targeting Pakistan.
General Munir explicitly stated that this point of contention will persist until concrete steps are taken by the Afghan authorities to effectively address the issue of cross-border terrorism emanating from their territory. He stressed the importance of collaborative efforts to counter the threat posed by these extremist elements and emphasized that Pakistan’s security concerns must be acknowledged and addressed to facilitate improved bilateral relations. The COAS’s statement underlined the necessity of a joint commitment to combating terrorism and ensuring regional stability.
Responding to concerns regarding military operations in KP, the COAS categorically denied the existence of any large-scale military operations within the province or the presence of Khwarij operating within Pakistani territory. He clarified that any actions taken by security forces are meticulously planned, intelligence-based, and precisely targeted to neutralize specific threats. This clarification aimed to dispel misinformation and alleviate public anxieties surrounding potential widespread military activity. General Munir further reinforced his position by posing a rhetorical question about the gravity of “Fitna fil-’Ardh” (sedition on earth), implying the serious nature of the threat posed by extremist elements and the necessity of targeted interventions.
In a powerful call for unity, General Munir emphasized the critical importance of a cohesive national response to combatting terrorism. He underscored the interconnectedness of the state and political discourse, stressing that the absence of a stable state creates a vacuum that allows extremist ideologies to flourish. “Where there is a state, there is politics. God forbid, without a state, there is nothing,” he declared, highlighting the essential role of a functioning state in maintaining order and security. The COAS emphatically urged all stakeholders to unite against the shared threat of terrorism, transcending any discrimination or prejudice. He expressed optimism that a unified approach would lead to rapid improvements in the security situation, reinforcing the message that collective action is the most effective way to counter terrorism and build a more stable and secure future for Pakistan. He further dismissed narratives of a rift between the public and the army, characterizing them as false narratives propagated by specific foreign agendas. He commended the national consensus achieved on the National Action Plan (NAP) and called for its swift and effective implementation as a critical tool in countering terrorism and ensuring lasting peace within the nation. This call to action emphasizes the importance of translating national consensus into concrete actions to achieve tangible results in the fight against extremism.