ISLAMABAD: Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir has paid glowing tribute to the 11 Pakistan Army soldiers, including Lt Col Junaid Arif and Major Tayyab Rahat, who embraced martyrdom during a fierce intelligence-based operation (IBO) in Orakzai District, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Presiding over the 272nd Corps Commanders’ Conference (CCC) at the General Headquarters (GHQ) on Wednesday, the COAS reaffirmed the Army’s resolve to ensure national security and decisively counter threats “across all domains.” The session began with Fateha for the martyrs of recent attacks orchestrated by Indian-sponsored terror groups.
The forum reviewed ongoing counter-terrorism operations and expressed concern over the growing nexus between terrorism, organized crime, and political patronage, terming it a serious challenge to state stability. Commanders warned that any aggression under India’s so-called “new normal” doctrine would be met with a swift and decisive response.
During the conference, Field Marshal Munir lauded the dedication and bravery of the forces leading operations against Indian-backed militant outfits such as Fitna al-Khwarij and Fitna al-Hindustan. The Orakzai operation, he noted, neutralized 19 militants after an intense exchange of fire.
The forum also welcomed the Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement with Saudi Arabia, describing it as a key step toward strengthening joint defense and response capabilities between the two nations.
Reiterating Pakistan’s unwavering stance on global justice, the commanders reaffirmed full support for the Kashmiri struggle for self-determination and the Palestinian cause, calling for a two-state solution based on pre-1967 borders with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as the Palestinian capital.
Concluding the session, the COAS directed all formations to uphold the highest standards of discipline, operational readiness, and innovation, expressing complete confidence in the Army’s ability to counter conventional, hybrid, and asymmetric challenges facing the nation.
