COAS Rejects Foreign Narratives Aiming to Create Rift Between Public and Army
Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir reaffirmed the strong bond between the people of Pakistan and its military, rejecting foreign-driven attempts to create divisions. This statement was shared by the military’s media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
During a meeting in Peshawar with political leaders from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, General Munir emphasized, “The relationship between the people and the army is unique. The false narrative of a rift is being fueled by external forces with specific agendas.”
The Army Chief reaffirmed that Pakistan’s priorities remain focused on the country’s own interests. Regarding relations with Afghanistan, he stated, “Afghanistan is our brotherly neighbor, and Pakistan has always aimed for better relations with it.” However, he pointed out that tensions arise from issues like “the presence of miscreants in Afghanistan and cross-border terrorism,” which need to be addressed.
General Munir further clarified that there are no plans for large-scale military operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, noting that intelligence-based targeted operations are carried out as required.
He called for unity in combating terrorism, stressing, “The state must take precedence over politics. If the state falters, nothing else matters. We must unite without bias to tackle terrorism.”
The Army Chief also highlighted the significance of learning from past errors. “Everyone makes mistakes, but failing to learn from them is a bigger mistake,” he added.
On the National Action Plan, General Munir praised the political consensus but urged faster and more effective implementation of its strategies.
