Chief of Defense Forces (CDF) and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir on Thursday said the country’s armed forces remained fully prepared to counter both conventional and hybrid threats in an evolving security environment, and warned that any act of aggression would receive a prompt and appropriate response during a visit to the front lines in Kashmir.
The comments and visit came as the country observes Kashmir Solidarity Day to express support for the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) and their struggle for the right to self-determination. The day draws the attention of the international community to the Indian atrocities in IIOJK. To mark the occasion, solidarity walks, seminars and exhibitions are being organized across Pakistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK).
In a statement, Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) said CDF Munir visited a forward post in AJK, where he interacted with troops deployed at the front.
“He reiterated that any act of aggression would be met instantly with a swift and appropriate response. He underlined that the armed forces remain fully prepared to counter both conventional and hybrid threats in an evolving security environment,” the ISPR said.
The Field Marshal also visited Muzaffarabad where he paid homage to the martyrs of the Kashmir freedom struggle by laying a wreath at the Jammu and Kashmir Martyrs’ Memorial and offering tributes to them, recognizing their legacy of valor and sacrifice.
“While interacting with the notables and veterans, the CDF reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering political, moral and diplomatic support to the people of IIOJK,” the ISPR statement said.
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“He observed that Indian atrocities, incessant human rights violations and Hindutva-driven excesses have failed to suppress the legitimate struggle and aspirations of the people of Kashmir,” he added.
Reaffirming Pakistan’s stance on the dispute, CDF Munir said Kashmir “will soon witness the dawn of freedom, in accordance with the will and destiny of the people of Kashmir.”
He further stressed that Pakistan will continue to raise the issue of Kashmir in all relevant international forums “until a fair resolution of the dispute is achieved in accordance with the resolutions of the United Nations Security Council.”
The ISPR said the CDF praised the “professionalism, morale and combat readiness” of the officers and soldiers deployed in AJK despite the difficult operational conditions.
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“The CDF emphasized the imperative of maintaining maximum operational readiness, vigilance and seamless synergy across all domains to effectively deter and respond decisively to any hostile provocation,” the statement said.
Earlier, upon his arrival in Muzaffarabad, Munir was received by Corps Commander Rawalpindi.
A day earlier, during a visit to Quetta following the recent terrorist attacks in Balochistan, the CDF stated that no one can rationalize violence and terrorism under any pretext.
The comments came after a series of coordinated attacks in multiple locations in Balochistan over the weekend. The CDF Munir had received a complete operational briefing on the prevailing security environment and the ongoing internal security operations.
“The CDF noted that no terrorist and his enabler will be spared and all will be dealt with strictly according to law and no one can rationalize violence and terrorism under any pretext,” the ISPR said.
He added that the briefing covered terrorist attacks orchestrated by “internationally designated and Indian-backed terrorists.” Fitna al Hindustan and the swift aggressive response of the security forces who failed in their ulterior motive of compromising peace, stability and development in Balochistan.”
