Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir has said that only intelligence-based operations are being carried out to eliminate terrorism.
“No full-fledged operation is being conducted in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa,” the army chief said while speaking with political leaders from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in Peshawar.
The army chief reiterated Pakistan’s call for the Afghan government’s action against Fitna al-Khawarij in Afghanistan and address the spread of terrorism from across the border into Pakistan.
“Afghanistan is our brotherly Islamic neighbour. Islamabad has always wanted better relations with Afghanistan. The only difference with Afghanistan is the presence of Fitna al-Khawarij within its borders and the spread of terrorism into Pakistan from across the border. This issue will remain unresolved until it is addressed,” he said.
He added: “Our policy is solely focused on Pakistan. If there is a state, there is politics; if there is no state, there is no politics.”
The COAS expressed encouragement regarding the consensus among all political parties on the National Action Plan, emphasizing the need for continued progress in its implementation.
He reaffirmed the strong bond between Pakistan’s people and its military, countering narratives that seek to create division.
He continued: “There is a special bond between the people and the army. The false narrative to create a rift between them is largely driven by a specific foreign agenda.
“We must all stand united against terrorism, without discrimination or prejudice. When we are united, the situation will improve soon.”
“Humans are prone to mistakes. We all make mistakes, but failing to acknowledge them and not learn from them is an even bigger mistake.”