Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir has labelled India as the largest state sponsor of terrorism in the region, urging neighbouring countries to stay vigilant against Indian proxy networks.

 

Addressing officers of the 52nd Common Training Programme on Friday (today), Field Marshal Munir said, “India is the largest sponsor of terrorism in the region,” adding that Pakistan would never accept Indian hegemony. “We have never bowed before India, nor will we ever do so.”

 

The army chief emphasised that Pakistan seeks friendly ties with Afghanistan, a brotherly Islamic country, adding Afghanistan is expected not to provide space to India’s terror proxies, Fitna al-Hindustan (Balochistan Liberation Army) and Fitna al-Khawarij (Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan).

 

Declaring terrorism New Delhi's internal issue, he said that it stemmed from India’s discriminatory and violent treatment of its minorities, particularly Muslims.

 

Commenting on Pakistan’s defence preparedness, Field Marshal Munir highlighted that the armed forces remain fully prepared to meet modern warfare requirements.

 

He credited Pakistan’s strong response during Ma’rakah-e-Haq from the Line of Control (LOC) to the country’s shores as a decisive reply to India’s unwarranted aggression.

 

The April 22 attack in Pahalgam, in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), claimed the lives of 26 tourists. India blamed Pakistan for the incident without providing any evidence to support the allegation, which Pakistan has dismissed.

 

India then breached Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity on May 6-7, launching strikes into the country, killing dozens of innocent civilians. In response, the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) shot down six Indian fighter jets, including three Rafales, and a day later inflicted heavy damage on Indian military installations.

 

On May 10, the United States (US) mediated a ceasefire between the nuclear-armed countries.

 

Army Chief Munir stated that God’s support was with Pakistan during the confrontation with India because the country stood on the side of truth.

 

Commenting on the importance of unity among all state institutions, he said that the administration and civil bureaucracy were the foundation of harmony and that their responsibilities were crucial.

 

He underscored the value of history and national identity, calling on the officers to embrace “Pakistaniyat” (identity as a Pakistani) over individual or regional affiliations. “Nations that forget their history lose their future,” he added.

 

“Every system has flaws,” Field Marshal acknowledged, asserting, “but your job is to ensure that weaknesses and negative forces do not overpower the system”.

 

He said national progress requires strong ties between the public, the government and the armed forces, concluding that love and loyalty to the country must remain the foremost principle.