RAWALPINDI; Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Asim Munir on Tuesday reaffirmed that any violation of Pakistan’s territorial integrity, whether direct or indirect, would be met with a strong and decisive response.
According to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the army chief made these remarks while addressing participants of the 17th National Workshop Balochistan at the General Headquarters. He emphasized that while Pakistan seeks peace and stability in the region, it will not tolerate any aggression against its sovereignty.
The statement came amid ongoing border clashes with the Taliban regime in Afghanistan and escalating rhetoric from India’s civil and military leadership. Earlier this month, Pakistan’s military leadership had warned India that any attempt to impose an “imaginary new normal” in regional relations would be met with a “swift and retributive response.”
The ISPR quoted the army chief as saying that “Indian-sponsored proxies” such as Fitna al-Hindustan and Fitna al-Khawarij were pushing anti-development and violent agendas in Pakistan. He assured that decisive measures were being taken to neutralize their networks and ensure peace in Balochistan.
Highlighting the strategic importance of the province, General Munir described Balochistan as “the pride of Pakistan,” home to resilient and patriotic citizens who represent the true strength of the country. He praised federal and provincial government initiatives aimed at improving the socio-economic conditions of the province through inclusive development.
The COAS also acknowledged the important role of civil society and youth in promoting long-term peace and development, urging them to reject divisive political narratives.
Earlier on Saturday, General Munir had cautioned India that there was “no space for war in a nuclearized environment,” while celebrating Pakistan’s “clear victory” in the May border conflict. He had also urged the Afghan Taliban regime to control militants operating from its soil and to prioritize peace over continuous violence.
He asserted that Pakistan would destroy every state-backed proxy threatening its security, reaffirming the military’s commitment to defend national sovereignty at all costs.
Tensions between Pakistan and India flared up in May 2025 after an attack in Indian-occupied Kashmir’s Pahalgam prompted India to launch “Operation Sindoor,” striking targets inside Pakistan and causing civilian casualties. Pakistan retaliated with “Operation Bunyanum Marsoos,” leading to intense exchanges before a US-mediated ceasefire was reached.
