ISLAMABAD – Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Asim Munir has once again made it clear that any violation of Pakistan’s territorial integrity will be met with a firm and decisive response, reaffirming the country’s commitment to defend its sovereignty under all circumstances.
His statement came amid heightened regional tensions including a recent border clash with Afghanistan’s Taliban regime and escalating rhetoric from India’s political and military leadership. The situation has stirred concerns of renewed instability across the region, particularly as cross-border terrorism continues to test Pakistan’s security apparatus.
According to a press release issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) on Tuesday, the army chief made these remarks while addressing participants of the 17th National Workshop Balochistan at the General Headquarters (GHQ).
“While Pakistan seeks peace and stability in the region, any direct or indirect violation of its territorial integrity will be met with a firm and decisive response to safeguard the lives and well-being of our citizens,” the ISPR quoted the COAS as saying.
The military’s media wing further noted that Gen. Munir warned against “Indian-sponsored proxies,” describing them as Fitna al-Hindustan and Fitna al-Khawarij groups allegedly pushing anti-state and anti-development agendas to spread violence and chaos.
He assured that decisive actions were already underway to eliminate these threats and to restore lasting peace and stability in Balochistan, which he described as “the pride of Pakistan.”
“Balochistan is home to a vibrant, resilient, and patriotic people who represent the true strength of our nation,” the COAS said. He also highlighted the ongoing federal and provincial development initiatives aimed at transforming the province’s socio-economic landscape through a people-centered approach.
General Munir stressed the need to unlock Balochistan’s immense economic potential, emphasizing that the province’s prosperity is key to Pakistan’s overall progress. He also acknowledged the critical role of civil society and youth, urging them to reject divisive political agendas and actively participate in sustainable development efforts for long-term peace.
The army chief’s remarks follow a string of strong statements directed at India. Over the weekend, he cautioned that there was “no space for war in a nuclearized environment”, hailing Pakistan’s “clear victory” in the May clashes with its eastern neighbor.
He also urged the Afghan leadership to curb militant sanctuaries operating from within their territory, warning that Pakistan would not tolerate cross-border terrorism.
“Like our victory in the conventional domain, every state proxy of our neighbor will be reduced to dust, God-willing,” the COAS declared, vowing to never yield before “misguided terrorists with a distorted interpretation of Islam.”
Tensions between India and Pakistan flared sharply in May 2025, after a deadly attack in Indian-occupied Kashmir’s Pahalgam prompted New Delhi to launch “Operation Sindoor” on May 7, targeting sites inside Pakistan and resulting in civilian casualties.
Without presenting evidence, India blamed Pakistan for the attack, further inflaming hostilities between the two nuclear-armed rivals. In response, Pakistan carried out “Operation Bunyanum Marsoos,” triggering heavy artillery and drone exchanges along the border before a U.S.-led diplomatic effort helped broker a fragile ceasefire.
As regional volatility persists, Gen. Munir’s latest remarks reaffirm Pakistan’s stance peace through strength, and swift retribution for any aggression against its sovereignty.