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 conventional and hybrid threats in an evolving security environment, warning that any act of aggression would invite a swift and appropriate response during a visit to the frontlines in Kashmir.
These remarks and visit came as the country marks Kashmir Solidarity Day to express support for the Indian people of Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) and their struggle for the right to self-determination. The day draws international attention to Indian atrocities in IIOJK. To mark the occasion, solidarity marches, seminars and exhibitions are being organized across Pakistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK).
In a statement, the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) said that CDF Munir visited a forward post in AJK, where he interacted with troops deployed on the front lines.
“He reiterated that any act of aggression would instantly prompt a prompt and appropriate response. He emphasized that the armed forces remain fully prepared to counter 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 Kashmir’s freedom struggle by laying a wreath at the Jammu and Kashmir Martyrs’ Monument and paying homage to them, recognizing their legacy of bravery and sacrifice.
“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 noted that Indian atrocities, incessant human rights violations and Hindutva-motivated excesses have failed to suppress the legitimate struggle and aspirations of the Kashmiri people,” it added.
Reaffirming Pakistan’s stance on the dispute, CDF Munir said Kashmir would “soon see the dawn of freedom, in accordance with the will and destiny of the people of Kashmir”.
He further stressed that Pakistan would continue to raise the Kashmir issue in all relevant international fora “until a just resolution to the dispute is reached, in accordance with the United Nations Security Council resolutions”.
The ISPR said the CDF praised the “professionalism, morale and combat readiness” of the officers and soldiers deployed in the AJK despite difficult operational conditions.
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“CDF stressed the imperative to maintain operational readiness, vigilance and seamless synergy in all domains to effectively deter and respond decisively to any hostile provocation,” the statement said.
Earlier, on 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 had said that no one can rationalize violence and terrorism under any pretext.
The remarks follow a series of coordinated attacks in several locations across Balochistan over the weekend. CDF Munir had received a comprehensive operational briefing on the current security environment and ongoing internal security operations.
“CDF pointed out that no terrorist and his enabler will be spared and everything 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 terrorists supported by India”. Fitna al Hindustan and the rapid aggressive response of security forces which failed in their ulterior motive of compromising peace, stability and development in Balochistan.”
