Latest news with #COAS


Business Recorder
5 hours ago
- Politics
- Business Recorder
India-sponsored proxy war no longer hidden act, says Field Marshal
QUETTA: Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir said that Indian sponsored proxy war is no longer hidden, it is an open malicious act of terrorism waged on our people, our progress, and our peace. During his interaction with the tribal elders, the army chief said that we have concrete proof of India's hand behind terrorist networks operating in Balochistan. These nefarious attempts of the enemy will fail.' The COAS affirmed that the Pakistan Army, with the unwavering support of the nation and the brave Baloch people, will confront and crush every enemy, foreign or domestic, that dares to challenge our sovereignty. Pakistan would never succumb to external coercion, says Field Marshal Munir Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir emphasized that the Pakistan Army remains fully alert and prepared to respond decisively to any threat. He reiterated that peace in Balochistan is non-negotiable and that the future of Pakistan is directly linked to a stable, prosperous Balochistan. Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir NI (M), the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), jointly addressed a Grand Jirga of tribal elders today at the Zehri Auditorium in Quetta. The Jirga was convened to engage with the tribal leadership and discuss the evolving security situation in Balochistan, with a particular focus on what they termed the ongoing proxy war fueled by India. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif highlighted that 'Indian-sponsored proxies,' including terrorist groups like 'Fitna Al-Hindustan,' have intensified their efforts to undermine peace, destabilize the province, and disrupt development initiatives led by the Government of Pakistan and the Armed Forces. He underscored the critical need to deny these groups any local support, emphasizing that grassroots engagement is crucial for the success of counter-terrorism efforts and for long-term peace and stability.


Express Tribune
16 hours ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
PM Shehbaz, Field Marshal Munir vow to crush Indian-sponsored terror in Balochistan at grand jirga
Listen to article Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir on Sunday jointly addressed a grand jirga of tribal elders at the Zehri Auditorium in Quetta, reaffirming the government's firm resolve to eradicate terrorism and counter Indian-sponsored proxy warfare in Balochistan. According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office, the jirga was convened to strengthen engagement with tribal leadership and to address the evolving security situation in the province. The statement noted that the primary focus was on countering the destabilising role of Indian proxies and reinforcing development efforts led by the state. The PM's Office stated that Premier Sharif highlighted how terrorist groups, supported and funded by India, have intensified efforts to undermine peace and stability in Balochistan. He specifically mentioned entities such as 'Fitna Al-Hindustan' and warned that these groups seek to exploit local grievances and gain community support, which must be firmly denied. Quoting the PM, the statement read: 'The enemies of peace will find no space to operate within Pakistan. Our message to them is clear: the Government, Armed Forces, Law Enforcement Agencies and administrative apparatus, with the complete backing of the people, will take the nation's fight against terrorism to its logical conclusion—defeating terrorism in a decisive manner.' The PM's Office also stated that Sharif praised the constructive role of tribal elders in preserving national unity and emphasised the need for sustained grassroots engagement to ensure that terrorist groups remain isolated and unsupported. He further stressed that development initiatives must reach the local population to truly empower Balochistan. The statement quoted the PM as saying, 'We must ensure that the trickle-down effects of government development packages benefit every citizen. The people of Balochistan have played a historic role in safeguarding Pakistan's integrity, and we count on their continued vigilance against foreign-backed subversion.' During the interaction, Field Marshal Munir also addressed the gathering. He stated, 'This Indian-sponsored proxy war is no longer hidden—it is an open and malicious act of terrorism waged against our people, our progress, and our peace.' He emphasised that the Pakistan Army has concrete evidence of Indian involvement in the orchestration and support of terrorist networks within Balochistan, the statement maintained. 'The Pakistan Army, with the unwavering support of the nation and the brave Baloch people, will confront and crush every enemy, foreign or domestic, that dares to challenge our sovereignty,' the COAS said, according to the statement. He reiterated that peace in Balochistan is 'non-negotiable' and that the future of Pakistan is intrinsically tied to the province's stability and prosperity. The PM's Office also reported that both leaders lauded the bravery and resilience of security personnel and law enforcement agencies operating in Balochistan. PM Sharif assured the families of martyrs of the state's full support and pledged that those responsible for terrorism—including their facilitators and abettors—would be brought to justice. The jirga concluded with a unanimous pledge from tribal elders to stand shoulder to shoulder with the government and the armed forces, reaffirming their commitment to peace, security, and development in Balochistan, the statement added. Earlier in the day, PM Shehbaz visited the Command and Staff College Quetta, where he addressed student officers and faculty members. According to an official release, the visit underlined the government's commitment to enhancing the professionalism and strategic readiness of Pakistan's defence institutions. He stressed the need for operational excellence and strategic foresight in the face of evolving hybrid threats, especially in sensitive regions like Balochistan, where Indian-sponsored proxies attempt to destabilise the country and hinder national development.


Business Recorder
18 hours ago
- Politics
- Business Recorder
PM Shehbaz, Field Marshal Munir vow decisive action against Indian-sponsored proxies in Balochistan
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir on Sunday jointly addressed a Grand Jirga of tribal elders in Quetta, reaffirming the state's unwavering resolve to defeat terrorism and counter foreign-sponsored subversion, particularly in Balochistan. Speaking at the Zehri Auditorium, the premier condemned the intensified activities of Indian-backed proxies aimed at destabilising Balochistan, and warned that such hostile attempts would be met with decisive state action. 'Our message to the enemies of peace is clear: the government, armed forces, law enforcement agencies, and administrative apparatus, with full support of the Pakistani nation, will defeat terrorism in all its forms,' the Prime Minister stated. P The premier lauded the historical role of Balochistan's tribal elders in preserving national unity and called for continued grassroots engagement to deny space to terror outfits such as the so-called 'Fitna Al-Hindustan'. He also underscored the importance of ensuring that government-led development initiatives yield tangible benefits for the local population. Addressing the gathering, Field Marshal Munir described the ongoing violence in Balochistan as part of a 'blatant Indian-sponsored proxy war' and vowed to crush every element threatening Pakistan's sovereignty. 'We have concrete proof of India's hand in supporting terrorist networks in Balochistan. These nefarious efforts will be defeated by the Pakistan Army with the full support of the nation and the brave people of Balochistan,' he said. The COAS reiterated that peace in Balochistan is non-negotiable and directly linked to Pakistan's long-term stability. Both the prime minister and the COAS praised the bravery and sacrifices of the security forces and law enforcement agencies operating in the province. The prime minister assured continued state support to the families of martyrs and pledged zero tolerance for terror facilitators and abettors. The Jirga concluded with tribal elders pledging their full support to the state's security and development efforts. Earlier in the day, PM Shehbaz also visited the Command and Staff College Quetta, where he addressed student officers and faculty. Stressing the need for operational readiness and strategic foresight, the PM emphasized the significance of professional military education in countering evolving hybrid threats, particularly in sensitive regions like Balochistan.


The Print
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Print
As Asim Munir spoke in Quetta, separatist group claimed control of a city in Balochistan
'Commenting on the global and regional environment, the COAS shed light on the character of emerging conflict, with particular emphasis on India's increasingly dangerous propensity to use unprovoked military aggression against Pakistan,' the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the Pakistani military's media wing, said in a statement Friday. Speaking at the Command and Staff College, Munir talked about the apparent need for a peaceful resolution to the 'Kashmir issue' and condemned India for what he claimed was 'unlawful and legally untenable hydro-terrorism'. He was referring to the Indus Waters Treaty being held in abeyance by India post a diplomatic downgrade of relations with Pakistan after the Pahalgam terror attack. New Delhi: As Pakistani Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir delivered a key address in Balochistan's capital city of Quetta, separatist group Baloch Liberation Army issued a statement, claiming it had taken control of the Surab city of the restive province. 'While reiterating the resolve to defeat any aggression and ability to deal with threats across the entire conflict spectrum, the COAS asserted that Pakistan will never be coerced and inimical designs to distract Pakistan's efforts against war on terrorism will be comprehensively defeated. For strategic stability of South Asia, the COAS emphasized the need for peaceful resolution of longstanding internationally recognized Kashmir dispute, and warned against the unlawful and legally untenable 'hydro terrorism' by India,' said the statement. But even as Munir spoke, the Baloch insurgency was making its presence felt. The BLA, a banned separatist outfit in Pakistan, released a statement claiming it had taken control of the Surab city in Balochistan. The group, which has intensified its activities in recent months, timed its declaration to coincide with the field marshal's visit, a move likely aimed at undermining the military's narrative of control and deterrence in the restive province. 'BLA fighters have taken full control of Surab, seizing key sites including the bank, Levies (paramilitary force), and police stations. Patrolling and checks are ongoing on Quetta-Karachi and Surab-Gidar roads,' the BLA said Friday, adding that a detailed statement will be released soon. Meanwhile, Munir expressed confidence that Pakistan's fight against terrorism would continue until its logical end is achieved, ensuring victory over all forms and manifestations of extremism. (Edited by Ajeet Tiwari) Also Read: Away from LoC, General Munir is losing a far more fateful war within Pakistan


News18
2 days ago
- General
- News18
BSF Officer Neha Bhandari Awarded For 'Exceptional Courage' During Operation Sindoor
Last Updated: Bhandari commanded a forward-deployed Border Security Force unit in the Pargwal area of the Akhnoor sector, just 150 metres from a Pakistani post BSF Assistant Commandant Neha Bhandari was awarded the Commendation Disc by Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Upendra Dwivedi on Friday for her 'exceptional courage and operational proficiency" during Operation Sindoor. Bhandari commanded a forward-deployed Border Security Force unit in the Pargwal area of the Akhnoor sector, Jammu and Kashmir, just 150 metres from a Pakistani post. Under intense conditions, she led her troops in giving a strong response to enemy fire, successfully silencing three hostile forward posts across the zero line — the area closest to enemy territory. 'On 30 May 2025, COAS General Upendra Dwivedi, PVSM, AVSM, felicitated Assistant Commandant Neha Bhandari of BSF Jammu with the Commendation Disc for her exceptional courage and operational proficiency during Operation Sindoor. She gallantly commanded a forward deployed BSF company under challenging conditions," BSF Jammu shared on social media platform X. On 30 May 2025, COAS General Upendra Dwivedi, PVSM, AVSM, felicitated Assistant Commandant Neha Bhandari of BSF Jammu with the Commendation Disc for her exceptional courage and operational proficiency during Operation Sindoor. She gallantly commanded a forward deployed BSF… — BSF JAMMU (@bsf_jammu) May 30, 2025 Neha, a third-generation officer, comes from a family with deep roots in India's security forces. Her grandfather served in the Indian Army, while both her parents are in the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). PTI. 'My grandfather served in the Army. My father was in the CRPF. My mother is in the CRPF. I am a third-generation officer in the force," she added. 'My grandfather was in the Army. My father was in the CRPF. My mother is also in the CRPF. I feel proud to follow in their footsteps," she said. 'It's an honour to command a post so close to the International Border with my troops." During the same operation, six women constables also held gun positions at forward posts across Samba, RS Pura, and Akhnoor, their morale rising with every bullet fired in defence. Operation Sindoor was launched as India's military response to the Pahalgam terror attack on 22 April, where terrorists opened fire in the Basram Valley meadow, killing 26 civilians. (With inputs from PTI) First Published: May 31, 2025, 10:51 IST