Abdul Basit Alvi
Upon taking command, one of General Munir’s primary concerns was the growing external threats to Pakistan, particularly from India and Afghanistan. India has long been Pakistan’s primary external adversary, particularly over the disputed Kashmir region. The relationship between the two countries has been fraught with tension, and the two nuclear-armed nations have fought three major wars since their partition in 1947. The situation worsened in 2019 when India revoked Article 370, which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir, further escalating tensions. General Munir has emphasized the importance of safeguarding Pakistan’s territorial integrity, especially in Kashmir, and has repeatedly affirmed the country’s commitment to defending every inch of its land. The Kashmir region remains a flashpoint, and under General Munir’s leadership, the Pakistan Army has maintained a strong defensive stance along the Line of Control (LoC).
Additionally, General Munir has stressed that Pakistan’s nuclear deterrence remains a cornerstone of its defense strategy, ensuring that any aggression from India would not go unanswered. The growing military capabilities of India, including its acquisition of advanced defense technology, have raised concerns for Pakistan. General Munir has called for the modernization and enhancement of Pakistan’s military capabilities, underscoring the importance of strategic partnerships, particularly with China, to counterbalance India’s military influence in the region.
Furthermore, General Munir has made it clear that Pakistan views the situation in Afghanistan as a significant threat to its security, particularly given the presence of insurgent groups operating across the border. The TTP, operating from Afghan territory, has carried out numerous deadly attacks within Pakistan, especially in the tribal regions. General Munir has been vocal about the need for Afghanistan to uphold its commitments to prevent its soil from being used by militants aiming to destabilize Pakistan. In his public remarks, General Munir has emphasized that Pakistan will not tolerate any cross-border terrorism and has made it clear that the country retains the right to take necessary actions to safeguard its citizens and territory. General Munir has also called on the international community to exert pressure on the Taliban to prevent militant groups from operating within Afghanistan and to ensure peace along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border. While facing significant external threats, he has been equally vocal about the growing internal challenges, particularly from extremist groups, terrorists, and separatist movements. His leadership has been instrumental in tackling these threats and strengthening Pakistan’s internal security.
General Munir has consistently emphasized the importance of counterterrorism efforts, making it clear that Pakistan’s military will not allow any terrorist organization to operate within its borders. Under his command, the Pakistan Army has ramped up operations in the tribal areas and other regions historically influenced by terrorist groups. The success of past operations like Zarb-e-Azb and Radd-ul-Fasaad has been further consolidated under his leadership.
He has also stressed that combating extremism requires a unified approach, asserting that the fight against terrorism is not solely a military effort but demands cooperation across all sectors of society, including government, law enforcement, and civilians. His leadership has focused on dismantling terrorist networks, cutting off their funding, and strengthening intelligence and security measures to preempt attacks.
General Munir has highlighted the need for unity amidst sectarian and ethnic divisions, calling for greater interfaith dialogue and cooperation among Pakistan’s diverse communities to prevent exploitation by militant groups. He has underscored the importance of religious tolerance, emphasizing that Pakistan’s strength lies in its diversity.
In addition, Pakistan’s Balochistan province has faced ongoing terrorism, and while General Munir has reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to a peaceful resolution, he has been resolute in his stance that any attempts to destabilize the country through violence will be met with a firm response. His background as the former head of ISI and DGMI has greatly shaped his approach to internal security. He has stressed the need for robust intelligence-sharing, coordination between military and civilian agencies, and better border management to combat internal threats. Under his leadership, the military has collaborated closely with law enforcement agencies to address militancy and organized crime.
General Munir has also highlighted the role of technological innovation in counterterrorism, advocating for the use of advanced surveillance and intelligence tools to detect and neutralize threats before they materialize.
The Army Chief has continuously warned both internal and external elements of Pakistan, demonstrating unwavering commitment to defend the nation on all fronts. His speeches and actions serve as a source of hope for the people and a warning to Pakistan’s enemies. Recently, General Munir vowed that the armed forces would hunt down the “frenemies” targeting the state. Following the martyrdom of 18 soldiers in counterterrorism operations across Balochistan, he visited Quetta to reaffirm his resolve. The army chief was given a detailed briefing on the current security situation in the province, attended by senior security and intelligence officials. During the briefing, the COAS emphasized that those acting as terrorist proxies for foreign powers, skilled in playing both sides and practicing double standards, are well-known to us. The army chief stated that no matter what these so-called ‘frenemies’ may attempt, they will ultimately be defeated by the resilience of our proud nation and its armed forces. He vowed that, for the defense of our motherland and its people, Pakistan will retaliate and pursue these enemies whenever and wherever necessary. He commended the courage and determination of the military, paramilitary, and law enforcement personnel in their fight against terrorism, reassuring them of the army’s unwavering commitment to ensuring the security and well-being of the people of Balochistan. Additionally, he reaffirmed the military’s support for the provincial government’s efforts to foster peace, stability, and development in the region.
Terrorism continues to be a significant challenge for Pakistan. The frequency of terror attacks surged after the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) group broke a fragile ceasefire with the government. With at least 685 security forces personnel losing their lives amidst 444 total terror attacks, 2024 became the deadliest year for Pakistan’s civil and military security forces in a decade. Equally concerning was the combined toll on civilians and security forces, with 1,612 fatalities, making up over 63% of the total deaths, and marking a 73% increase in casualties compared to the number of militants eliminated (934). The total fatalities last year reached a nine-year high, with more than 66% increase compared to 2023. On average, nearly seven lives were lost each day.
The army chief’s clear message to both internal and external enemies of Pakistan has been widely appreciated by the people, who see him as a true defender and well-wisher of the country. The people of Pakistan strongly support the initiatives taken by the government and the military to decisively confront both internal and external threats to the nation.
