Armed Forces Fully Prepared to Defend Territorial Sovereignty Against All Threats: COAS Munir

Published at: December 3, 2024 11:08 AM

Updated at: December 3, 2024 11:26 AM

Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir reaffirmed the armed forces’ readiness to defend Pakistan’s territorial integrity and sovereignty against the “entire spectrum of threats,” according to a statement released by the military’s media wing on Tuesday.

This assertion comes amidst a surge in attacks targeting security personnel, law enforcement agencies, and checkpoints, especially in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. November emerged as the deadliest month of 2023 for security forces, with 68 personnel martyred, according to the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies (PICSS). The escalation in violence follows the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan's (TTP) decision to end a ceasefire agreement with the government in 2022, with the group intensifying attacks on security forces. In one such incident last month, 12 personnel were martyred in a targeted assault on a checkpost in the Mali Khel area of Bannu, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

On Tuesday, General Munir visited troops participating in a field training exercise near Narowal and Sialkot. During the visit, he received a comprehensive briefing on the exercise's objectives and execution, as detailed by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

Addressing the troops, General Munir said, “The Pakistan armed forces, with the resolute support of the nation, are fully capable of safeguarding the territorial integrity and sovereignty of our beloved motherland against the entire spectrum of threats.” He also emphasized the importance of maintaining constant vigilance and preparedness to counter adversarial threats effectively.

This statement echoes the COAS's previous remarks made in late November, where he stressed the military’s unwavering commitment to eliminating illegal activities undermining national security and dismantling hostile terrorist networks. He had also referred to “spectrum of illegal activities” in earlier speeches to underscore the state's determination to curb resource pilferage and economic sabotage.

The field training exercise, which General Munir attended, focused on honing professional skills and refining battlefield strategies to meet emerging operational challenges. The drills included integrated fire and maneuver operations involving various divisions such as armor, infantry, mechanized infantry, artillery, air defense, army aviation, and Anti-Tank Guided Missile units.

According to the ISPR, the exercise showcased the effective use of electronic warfare capabilities and information operations to disrupt enemy communications and counter disinformation campaigns in modern warfare scenarios. The COAS spent the day with the troops, praising their training standards, operational readiness, and high morale.

The visit also highlighted the role of the armed forces in preparing for contemporary battlefield challenges while reinforcing their commitment to national security. General Munir was welcomed at the exercise site by Commander Gujranwala Corps and the Inspector General of Training and Evaluation, reflecting the high level of coordination among military leadership in enhancing operational capabilities.