By Aishma Gul
“We stand united against the forces of evil, and every attempt to disrupt peace will be decisively thwarted.” – General Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff
General Syed Asim Munir, Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff (COAS), recently visited Peshawar during a critical time in the country’s fight against terrorism. The visit came at a time when security forces carried out numerous significant operations in various parts of the country, which indicates the genuine efforts of the security forces for peace and stability.
A Major Meeting in Peshawar
On 13 January 2025, A high-level meeting was held in Peshawar. It was attended by the COAS, political leaders, and other security officials. It was a special and important meeting attended by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Faisal Karim Kundi, Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, Jamaat-e-Islami leader Hafiz Naeem-ur-Rehman, Awami National Party’s Aimal Wali Khan, Engineer Ameer Muqam, Professor Ibrahim and many former chief ministers of the province. However, experts hailed the meeting as a meaningful step towards collaborating to address regional challenges.
During the meeting, General Munir stressed that defeating terrorism requires everyone to work together—politically, socially, and militarily. He said, “The bond between the armed forces and the people of Pakistan is unbreakable, and no false narratives from external agendas can weaken it.”
Continued Operations Against Terrorists
General Munir’s visit occurred as security forces were carrying out major anti-terrorism operations. Six militants having links with Khwarij groups, were killed in an operation in Tank District on January 12, 2025. Two other militants also had been killed during the military operation in the Tirah Valley of the Khyber District. These actions demonstrate that Pakistan’s counter-terrorism efforts are both precise and strong.
On the other hand in Balochistan’s Kacchi District, security forces carried out a grand operation killing 27 terrorists. They also seized weapons, ammunition, and explosives, erasing the infrastructure that sustained these groups. Such efforts underscore the resolve of Pakistan’s military to destroy terrorist networks.
Peshawar’s Centrality in Defense
Due to its borderland status, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is crucial to Pakistan’s security. General Asim Munir received a detailed briefing about the security situation there, particularly concerning threats from across the border in Afghanistan. He noted, “While Pakistan desires peaceful relations with Afghanistan, the presence of hostile elements like Khwarij across the border remains a challenge.”
The COAS highlighted the importance of intelligence-based operations. These actions have greatly diminished the capabilities of terror groups by killing their leadership and disrupting their networks. According to ISPR, these efforts are ensuring that terrorist groups cannot operate freely.
Collaboration Between the Civilian and the Military
In a meeting with political leaders, General Asim Munir called for unity across political lines. The state comes before politics; without a secure state, there is no governance or development,” the COAS said. Political leaders acknowledged the sacrifices made by the armed forces and pledged to support the National Action Plan to address terrorism.
The meeting also addressed socio-economic challenges in conflict-affected areas. It aimed to bring people from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan into the fold, helping them feel included in national progress.
General Asim Munir’s visit reaffirmed Pakistan’s resolve to eradicate terrorism and defend its sovereignty. Recent achievements in counter-terrorism, along with high-level meetings like this one, show a strong commitment to maintaining peace and stability. As General Munir said, “We are committed to taking this fight to its logical conclusion, ensuring peace for every Pakistani.”