Latest news with #SyedAsimMunir
Express Tribune
an hour ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Balochistan front
Balochistan's security situation is a growing concern, and warrants a growing focus. A theatre of Indian meddling, Balochistan needs to be treated with a holistic strategy, in all earnest, to bring the much-needed calm and peace to it. With our archrival on our eastern border, after conceding an all too evident defeat in the kinetic domain last month, now aggressively vocal about inflicting a two-front war on us - one of the fronts being the terrorism-hit Balochistan - it has become even more important to make our southwestern province our primary focus. It's thus good to see the state swing into action to pay attention to the imbroglio that our restive province has been mired in for long. This past Sunday, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir attended a jirga meant to strengthen engagement with the tribal leadership as part of the state's strategy to address the evolving security situation in Balochistan. Addressing on the occasion, the Prime Minister and the Army Chief reaffirmed the state's firm resolve to eradicate terrorism and counter Indian-sponsored proxy warfare in the desolate province. That there should be no compromise on peace and security in Balochistan goes without saying. The state must take on the merchants of death and destruction - operating at the behest of the enemy against their own countrymen - firmly and ruthlessly. Simultaneously though, the state needs to show some magnanimity - towards those that are reconcilable. Disgruntled elements nursing genuine grievances can easily be separated from the terrorists through political outreach. While the jirga of tribal elders has made a unanimous pledge to stand shoulder to shoulder with the government and the armed forces in the fight against terrorists, this forum should also be tapped to approach the reconcilable elements so as to bring them back from the brink.
Business Recorder
21 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.
Business Recorder
a day 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.
Express Tribune
2 days ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
PM amenable to talks with 'misled people' in Balochistan
Listen to article Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said he is willing to sit across the table with "those who have been misled ... who have been led astray" in Balochistan, as he pledged to deliver "social and economic justice" to the people of the province, which has been trapped in a spiral of deadly violence since 2006. "We must strive to win back the people who were misled [by terrorists] onto the wrong track. If there are any grievances, they should be resolved through dialogue in the spirit of brotherhood," he said, referring to chronic concerns in the dirt-poor province that have been exploited by Baloch terrorist groups to promote their violent narrative. The prime minister was addressing a grand jirga in Quetta on Saturday, which brought together tribal elders, lawmakers and key stakeholders for consultations focused on security and development. Field Marshal Chief of Army Staff Syed Asim Munir, Balochistan's Acting Governor Abdul Khaliq Achakzai, Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti and high-ranking military and civil officials were also present. Expressing gratitude for the warm welcome he received, the prime minister described Balochistan as "a beautiful province of brave people and the heart of Pakistan". Terrorist violence has surged in recent months, which civil and military officials have attributed to Indian interference. "The bloodthirsty terrorists, who are against the progress and prosperity of Pakistan, are carrying out heinous acts of terrorism at the behest of foreign elements," the premier said, alluding to India. "They must be stopped. We all must defeat their nefarious designs. If there are shortcomings in our response, these could be addressed with your guidance," he told the jirga participants. He reiterated that "all provinces are like brothers and will equally share the resources of the country," adding that the federal government was allocating Rs70 billion for a solarisation project in Balochistan. Similarly, Rs150 billion will be directed towards the construction of the N-25 highway, commonly referred to as the "bloody highway" due to its perilous condition. The funds will be drawn from the amount being saved after the drop in international petroleum prices. The prime minister further announced that Rs1,000 billion will be allocated to the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) this year, with 25 per cent — or Rs250 billion — earmarked for Balochistan. He assured that every penny of the share, which he termed the "right of the people of Balochistan," would be spent transparently for the province's progress and prosperity. The prime minister also recalled that Punjab had agreed to give part of its share from the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award to Balochistan in view of its development needs, as the province is the largest in terms of area. "In today's value, the funds diverted to Balochistan amount to Rs160 billion," he explained. The NFC award was signed in Lahore in 2010 after three days of discussions among the national leadership, including President Asif Ali Zardari, then prime minister Yousaf Raza Gilani and Nawaz Sharif, he added. He said that during Nawaz Sharif's tenure as prime minister, many development projects were undertaken in Balochistan and President Zardari had initiated the Aghaz-e-Haqooq-e-Balochistan package. Talking about the recent conflict with India, Premier Shehbaz said that on the nights between May 6 and 7 and May 10, India attacked Pakistan, but with the grace of Allah, the armed forces bravely defeated the enemy, who will remember its defeat forever. He thanked the people of Pakistan for showing unity and standing shoulder to shoulder with the Pakistan Army during the conflict. "As the prime minister, I was witness to all the events of the short-duration war," he said, adding that "as a brave and sagacious leader, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir led Pakistan armed forces to a victory against India and made the nation proud." He said that the triumph over India was akin to avenging the events of 1971. "Now the enemy is scared and Pakistan's friendly countries are more confident after Pakistan's military victory over India," he claimed.
Express Tribune
2 days ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
'India intensifying proxy terrorism'
Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir and other military commanders stand up in respect of the national anthem. photo: nni Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday accused India of stepping up a proxy terrorism campaign inside Pakistan following its defeat in Marka-e-Haq, vowing that what he called Fitna al Hindustan would be defeated by the Pakistani nation. During his address to the faculty and graduating officers at the Command and Staff College Quetta, the prime minister accused India of resorting to indirect aggression after suffering setbacks in recent engagements. He was referring to India's use of force, which was met with a precise military response under Operation Bunyanum Marsoos, targeting Indian air assets, ammunition depots, and missile bases along and beyond the Line of Control. This operation was part of the broader Marka-e-Haq campaign, conducted from May 7 to May 10. He reaffirmed that Pakistan's armed forces, backed by the full support of the nation, are prepared to meet every challenge to the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity. "The Pakistani nation is united. With our faith, determination, and strength, we will defeat every conspiracy hatched by India and its proxies," the Prime Minister said. PM Shehbaz lauded the performance of the armed forces during Bunyanum Marsoos, calling their conduct exemplary and a source of national pride. He praised the military's professionalism, bravery, and sacrifices, stating that their dedication had earned the highest respect of the nation. The prime minister reiterated the government's full support to the armed forces in fulfilling their constitutional responsibilities and defending Pakistan against all threats.
