ISLAMABAD: Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir has maintained a firm stance on Islamabad’s foreign policy priorities with its neighbouring countries, including India, Iran, and Afghanistan.
While addressing students from public and private sector universities, Asim Munir prioritised the safety and security of each Pakistani over Afghanistan. He said that Pakistan sheltered five million Afghans for 50 years, but we will pursue those who attack our nationals.
According to COAS, Afghanistan has never shown friendship towards Pakistan and also supported the insurgency in Balochistan. Asim recalled Afghanistan’s objection to inclusion of Pakistan in the United Nations and said our problem lies in people not reading history. Note that Pakistan has denied initiating negotiations with the outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which accelerated terrorist activities in Pakistan after the Afghan Taliban came to power in August 2021.
Similarly, General Asim Munir remarked on Indo-Pak relations. He asked how can Pakistan reconcile with the neighbouring state when India had not reconciled with the concept of Pakistan. The comments on Pak-India ties came two days after Ram Mandir’s inauguration. The inauguration of temple was denounced by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.
COAS Munir also shared his thoughts on Pakistan’s relations with Iran. Mentioning the recent missile attacks by Tehran on Balochistan, Asim said no one can backstab Pakistan, and anyone who attempts so would receive a befitting reply. He reiterated that no one would be allowed to breach the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Pakistan.
Pakistan responded with Operation Marg Bar Sarmachar over the airspace violation by Iran. Pak Army targeted the Iranian territory and particularly struck the border town of Saravan.