Pak Army Chief sends strong message to Afghan Taliban, Khawarij during Peshawar visit Azad News HD
COAS Field Marshal Asim Munir’s Visit to Peshawar: A Defining Moment in Pakistan’s Fight Against Terrorism and Cross-Border Threats
In a significant development symbolizing Pakistan’s renewed resolve against terrorism and foreign-instigated destabilization, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir visited Peshawar this week and presided over a high-level Jirga comprising tribal elders, political representatives, and security officials. The visit marked a pivotal moment in Pakistan’s national security narrative, reaffirming the zero-tolerance policy against militancy and signaling a strategic realignment of the country’s counterterrorism approach in the face of escalating cross-border threats.
The meeting, held under tight security in the provincial capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), came at a time when Pakistan continues to grapple with a resurgence of terrorist incidents originating from the western frontier. The Jirga was not only a show of force but also a gesture of engagement — bridging state institutions with the traditional tribal leadership that has long been the social backbone of Pakistan’s frontier belt.
A Symbol of Unity and Defiance
Field Marshal Asim Munir’s Peshawar visit holds deep symbolic resonance. His interaction with tribal elders — the same communities that endured decades of turmoil during the war on terror — reflects the military’s recognition of their sacrifices and their indispensable role in stabilizing Pakistan’s western borderlands.
During his address, COAS reiterated the Army’s unwavering commitment to defend every inch of Pakistan’s territory. He emphasized that Pakistan would not allow any entity, internal or external, to threaten its sovereignty, destabilize its frontiers, or exploit its ethnic diversity for geopolitical manipulation. He stated firmly, “Our enemies have miscalculated the strength of our unity. Pakistan stands as one nation — resilient, determined, and unyielding in its pursuit of peace and progress.”
The Army Chief’s remarks underscored a broader shift in Pakistan’s counterterrorism strategy — one that blends hard security measures with community empowerment and intelligence-based operations (IBOs). By convening the Jirga in Peshawar, the heart of KP and a city historically vulnerable to terrorist attacks, Asim Munir sent a clear message that the military will engage at both the strategic and grassroots levels to eliminate the remnants of extremism.
Context: The Resurgence of Cross-Border Threats
Pakistan’s western border with Afghanistan has witnessed renewed volatility in recent months. The re-emergence of militant networks, particularly the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), has reignited concerns over cross-border infiltration, targeted assassinations, and bombings targeting both civilians and law enforcement personnel.
Intelligence reports suggest that several terrorist factions, previously dismantled through successful military operations like Zarb-e-Azb and Radd-ul-Fasaad, are attempting to regroup using Afghan soil as a sanctuary. Despite repeated assurances from the Afghan interim authorities, Pakistan has faced continued challenges in curbing the infiltration of militants through the porous frontier.
This complex security environment has necessitated a recalibration of Pakistan’s defense and diplomatic posture. Field Marshal Asim Munir’s engagement in Peshawar represents the operational manifestation of this recalibration — emphasizing dialogue, deterrence, and decisive action.
Zero-Tolerance Policy: Translating Words into Action
The COAS’s declaration of a zero-tolerance policy on terrorism is not merely rhetorical. It aligns with a broader institutional framework being implemented by the Pakistani state. This framework includes the strengthening of counterterrorism departments, technological modernization of law enforcement agencies, intelligence-sharing protocols among civil and military institutions, and the active role of the National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA).
Since assuming command, Field Marshal Asim Munir has prioritized the concept of “comprehensive national security” — merging kinetic operations with socioeconomic uplift of vulnerable regions. He has repeatedly emphasized that terrorism cannot be defeated by force alone; rather, sustainable peace requires justice, development, and political inclusion.
In line with this approach, the Army’s operations now extend beyond mere elimination of militants to dismantling their logistical, financial, and ideological networks. This holistic strategy is designed to prevent terrorism from re-emerging as a byproduct of socio-economic grievances.
The Jirga: Reviving Tribal Trust
The Jirga in Peshawar was an embodiment of traditional Pashtun decision-making processes. Field Marshal Asim Munir’s participation marked a historic departure from purely military engagements toward inclusive governance models. Tribal elders expressed their grievances, particularly about border management issues, delayed rehabilitation of displaced persons, and the need for infrastructural development in the merged tribal districts.
The COAS assured them that the state remains fully committed to integrating the erstwhile Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) into the national mainstream. He acknowledged that socio-economic deprivation often serves as a breeding ground for extremist recruitment and promised accelerated development initiatives under the Special Development Plan for Merged Areas (SDPMA).
He stated that Pakistan’s frontiers would only remain secure if the people living along them are empowered, educated, and economically uplifted. His message was clear: the fight against terrorism must be fought not just with guns, but with good governance and social justice.
Regional Dynamics: Afghanistan Factor and the New Security Calculus
No discussion about Pakistan’s counterterrorism efforts is complete without addressing the Afghan dimension. Since the Taliban’s return to power in 2021, Pakistan has sought cooperative engagement to ensure cross-border peace. However, the persistence of anti-Pakistan elements in Afghanistan, particularly the TTP, has strained bilateral trust.
Field Marshal Asim Munir’s statements reflect a cautious but firm diplomatic posture. Pakistan has consistently demanded that Afghan authorities prevent their territory from being used against neighboring states — a principle enshrined in international law and reiterated in multiple bilateral agreements.
The COAS’s speech in Peshawar hinted at Pakistan’s frustration over the lack of tangible action against militants operating across the Durand Line. However, he avoided aggressive rhetoric, opting instead for a pragmatic tone that balanced deterrence with diplomacy. “Pakistan seeks peace with all neighbors,” he remarked, “but will never compromise on its national dignity and security.”
From Counterterrorism to Counter-Narrative
Another critical element of Asim Munir’s strategy is countering extremist ideology through education, media, and community engagement. Recognizing that terrorism thrives on distorted religious narratives, the military has been working closely with religious scholars to promote moderation and national cohesion.
The Paigham-e-Pakistan initiative, a fatwa endorsed by thousands of Islamic scholars against extremism and suicide bombings, has been revived as part of this renewed focus. The COAS emphasized that Islam is a religion of peace and justice, and that no militant outfit has the right to misuse religion for political objectives.
By engaging tribal elders and community leaders, the Army aims to rebuild social resilience against radicalization. The emphasis is not only on security but also on reclaiming the moral and cultural fabric of Pakistani society.
Modernizing the Counterterrorism Infrastructure
The Peshawar meeting also included discussions on technological modernization of the military and intelligence apparatus. Pakistan’s Army, under Asim Munir’s leadership, has accelerated the integration of artificial intelligence, data analytics, and drone surveillance into its operations.
These advancements are part of a broader shift toward precision-based warfare, reducing collateral damage and improving operational efficiency. The Frontier Corps and other paramilitary units deployed in KP and Balochistan are being equipped with advanced communication systems and night-vision capabilities to counter cross-border infiltration.
Additionally, coordination between the Army, police, and civilian intelligence agencies is being institutionalized to avoid intelligence gaps. The National Action Plan (NAP) — once the cornerstone of Pakistan’s counterterrorism policy — is being revitalized to ensure comprehensive implementation at both federal and provincial levels.
Human Dimension: The Cost of Sacrifice
Field Marshal Asim Munir paid tribute to the martyrs of Pakistan’s armed forces and civilians who have laid down their lives in the war against terror. Over 80,000 Pakistanis — including soldiers, police officers, and innocent civilians — have perished in this prolonged conflict. The COAS emphasized that their sacrifices would not go in vain.
He also visited Combined Military Hospital (CMH) Peshawar to meet soldiers injured in recent anti-terror operations, reaffirming the military’s deep sense of solidarity with its personnel. His visit served as a morale booster, particularly for troops stationed in high-risk zones.
Political and Public Reaction
The COAS’s visit and his strong message received widespread praise across political and media circles. Government representatives, including the federal interior minister and KP’s caretaker chief minister, expressed full support for the Army’s counterterrorism initiatives.
Analysts viewed the Peshawar Jirga as a masterstroke in strategic communication — combining military resolve with cultural sensitivity. Political observers noted that Asim Munir’s leadership style reflects a blend of operational precision and statesmanship, balancing firmness with empathy.
On social media, the visit sparked nationwide discussions about Pakistan’s evolving security doctrine. Many commentators highlighted the importance of engaging local communities as the first line of defense against extremism. Others praised the COAS for prioritizing national unity over political divisions at a time when the country faces multifaceted challenges.
Economic Stability and Security Nexus
Field Marshal Asim Munir has repeatedly emphasized that economic stability and national security are deeply interconnected. During the Jirga, he reiterated that peace is a prerequisite for prosperity. Without secure borders and stable law enforcement, foreign investment, tourism, and industrial development remain unattainable.
Pakistan’s ongoing struggle against terrorism has cost its economy over $150 billion since 2001. The COAS urged business leaders, tribal entrepreneurs, and policymakers to collaborate in rebuilding war-torn regions. He stressed that infrastructure development, education, and job creation are as critical to national security as military operations.
The Army’s participation in development projects, particularly through the Frontier Works Organization (FWO) and the National Logistics Cell (NLC), has accelerated road and communication networks in KP and Balochistan — connecting remote areas to national markets and reducing isolation, which extremists often exploit.
Media and Information Warfare
Another focal point of the COAS’s address was information warfare. He cautioned that Pakistan’s enemies are increasingly relying on digital propaganda to sow discord and undermine national morale. Field Marshal Asim Munir urged the media to act responsibly, verifying information before dissemination, and promoting narratives of unity rather than division.
He acknowledged the growing influence of social media platforms in shaping public perception and highlighted the importance of digital literacy in countering fake news and extremist recruitment online. Under his directive, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) has been modernizing its outreach strategy to effectively counter misinformation and project Pakistan’s positive image globally.
The Road Ahead: Consolidating Peace Through People
As Pakistan transitions from counterinsurgency to long-term stabilization, the role of local communities becomes increasingly critical. The Peshawar Jirga was a reaffirmation that the state values indigenous wisdom and partnership. The COAS’s promise to integrate tribal concerns into national policy frameworks represents a strategic shift toward participatory governance.
The path forward involves consolidating military gains with political reforms and development initiatives. Educational reforms, vocational training centers, and microfinance programs in the tribal belt are expected to complement security operations by offering alternative livelihoods and dissuading youth from joining extremist outfits.
The Pakistan Army’s evolving doctrine, under Asim Munir’s stewardship, is thus not only about defeating terrorism but about ensuring it never returns — through justice, education, and empowerment.
Conclusion: A Renewed Vision for Peace and Strength
Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir’s visit to Peshawar will likely be remembered as a defining chapter in Pakistan’s fight against terrorism and its quest for durable peace. His firm yet inclusive approach reflects a mature understanding of modern warfare — one that recognizes that national security extends far beyond the battlefield.
By engaging tribal elders, emphasizing economic integration, modernizing counterterrorism infrastructure, and strengthening Pakistan’s diplomatic posture, the Army Chief has laid out a comprehensive roadmap for peace and resilience. His message resonates across the nation: Pakistan’s sovereignty is non-negotiable, its unity unbreakable, and its future one of hope, progress, and security.
