Army chief pushes peace, but draws red line on terror

Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir has reaffirmed that while Pakistan desires peace and stability in the region, it will not tolerate cross-border terrorism or any attempt to undermine its sovereignty.

During his interaction with tribal elders, the COAS appreciated the unwavering and unconditional support of the tribal people for the security forces during the recent standoff between Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban, said a news release issued by Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR).

He emphasised that Pakistan desires peaceful coexistence with all its neighbours but warned that the use of Afghan soil for terrorism against Pakistan is unacceptable.

Addressing the Jirga during his visit to Peshawar, the COAS highlighted that despite continuation of cross-border terrorism from Afghanistan, Pakistan, over the last few years, has exercised patience and extended multiple diplomatic and economic overtures to Afghanistan, aimed at improving Pak-Afghan bilateral relations.

However, instead of acting decisively against the Indian-sponsored terror proxies Fitna Al Khwarij (FAK) and Fitna Al Hindustan, the Afghan Taliban regime has been providing all possible assistance to these groups.

The COAS assured the tribal elders that Pakistan, particularly Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, will be cleansed of terrorists and their abettors. He paid rich tribute to the resilience and sacrifices of the brave people of Khyber-Pukhtunkhwa in the war against terrorism.

The tribal elders reiterated their full support to the armed forces against terrorism and also against Afghan Taliban. They appreciated the candid discourse by the COAS and expressed their unwavering commitment for peace in Pakistan and highlighted that FAK's twisted ideology had no acceptance among the tribes of KPK, it further said.

During the visit, the COAS had an interactive session with the Jirga members.

Later, he received comprehensive briefing at Headquarters 11 Corps on the prevailing security environment, operational preparedness and ongoing counterterrorism efforts to maintain peace and stability along the Pak-Afghan border.

Upon arrival, the COAS was received by the Commander Peshawar Corps.