Field Marshal Munir Vows to Hit Indian-Sponsored Terrorist Outfits Hard Wherever They Are
Peshawar visit focuses on security and operations.
ISPR says CDF directs troops to maintain highest operational readiness; army chief pays tribute to security forces’ sacrifices amid rising terrorism in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa
PESHAWAR: Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir has vowed to continue the campaign against what Pakistan describes as Indian-sponsored terrorist outfits, pledging to target them wherever they operate.
According to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) on Friday, Field Marshal Munir visited Corps Headquarters in Peshawar, where he was received by the Commander Peshawar Corps.
During the visit, the army chief was given a detailed briefing on the prevailing security situation, ongoing counter-terrorism operations, border management measures and the operational preparedness of military formations deployed across the province.
The ISPR said Field Marshal Munir commended the high morale and professionalism of officers and troops and directed them to maintain constant vigilance and the highest standards of operational readiness to effectively counter emerging security threats.
“He underscored that we would continue the campaign against Indian-sponsored terrorist outfits to the fullest and hit them hard wherever they are,” the military’s media wing said.
Paying tribute to the sacrifices of the people of Pakistan, particularly the martyrs and veterans of the security forces, the CDF expressed confidence that the country would defeat terrorism with the continued support of the nation.
“With the support of the people, Pakistan would surely inflict total defeat on the terrorists and their perverted ideology,” the statement said.
CDF Attends Federal Apex Committee Meeting
Field Marshal Munir arrived in Peshawar a day earlier to attend a meeting of the Federal Apex Committee on the National Action Plan, chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday.
The meeting reviewed the deteriorating security situation in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P), with participants discussing measures to strengthen counter-terrorism efforts, restore peace and accelerate development across the province.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif defended the imposition of emergency measures and Governor’s Rule in K-P, maintaining that the decisions had been taken in response to the worsening security situation.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to restoring peace, stability and prosperity in the province, stressing that the Constitution and the law empowered the government to take the necessary measures.
The prime minister also thanked coalition partners for supporting the decision, particularly President Asif Ali Zardari and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Nawaz Sharif.
Terrorist Attacks Surge in K-P
The meeting took place amid a renewed wave of militant violence in K-P. Security assessments presented to the federal cabinet indicated that terrorist incidents in the province had increased by 195 per cent between March 2024 and September 2026, with police and security personnel among the primary targets.
On Thursday, four police personnel, including a deputy superintendent of police serving with the Counter-Terrorism Department, were martyred during an exchange of fire with armed men in Karak.
In a separate incident in Bannu, two civilians were injured when a remote-controlled bomb exploded.
The latest developments have intensified concerns over the security situation in the province, with federal and security authorities emphasising the need for coordinated counter-terrorism operations, improved security arrangements and sustained efforts to prevent militant attacks.
Field Marshal Munir’s visit to Peshawar underscored the military leadership’s focus on operational preparedness and counter-terrorism efforts as Pakistan continues to confront renewed security challenges in K-P.
