COAS General Asim Munir calls for improved relations with Afghanistan

PESHAWAR, Jan 14 (SABAH): Chief of Army Staff Gen Asim Munir has said that the state’s existence is paramount, saying, “If there is a state, there can be politics.”

Speaking to political leaders in Peshawar on Tuesday, the army chief highlighted that the efforts to create a rift between the public and the army stem from foreign agendas.

He reiterated Pakistan’s desire for positive relations with Afghanistan, stating differences arise only over the presence of extremist elements and cross-border terrorism.

Gen Asim Munir clarified that no large-scale operations were being conducted in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and that targeted actions were based solely on intelligence. He urged unity against terrorism, stating, “Creating disorder is a grave sin, and without the state, nothing else matters.”

He further stressed the importance of learning from mistakes and accelerating work on the National Action Plan, which has collective support from all parties.

Yesterday, Gen Asim Munir said terrorism had no place in society and that the efforts of security forces to eliminate that evil was laudable.

He was provided with a comprehensive briefing on the prevailing security situation and the ongoing counter-terrorism operations targeting Fitna Al Khwarij. The briefing was also attended by Federal Minister of Interior and the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa chief minister.

During his visit, the COAS praised the unwavering resolve and unmatched sacrifices of Pakistan Armed Forces and law-enforcement agencies, who have been instrumental in dismantling terrorist networks and thwarting their nefarious agenda.