Army Chief General Syed Asim Munir has stated that Pakistan will not be part of any global conflict and will continue to play a significant role in maintaining peace and stability worldwide.
Speaking at the special session of Margalla Dialogue 2024 in Islamabad, General Munir pointed out that the world is facing numerous challenges in recent years, with the rapid spread of false and misleading information being a major concern. He also highlighted the growing influence of non-state actors as another important challenge, as immense changes are taking place globally in the fields of economy, military, and technology.
The Army Chief emphasized that violent non-state actors and state-sponsored terrorism present a global threat. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to playing a key role in ensuring peace and stability in the region and beyond. He stressed that terrorism is a shared challenge for humanity.
General Munir reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering resolve in the fight against terrorism, noting that the country expects the Afghan interim government to prevent its territory from being used for terrorism. He also praised Pakistan’s security forces for their ability to neutralize threats, including the recent killing of six foreign terrorists and the capture of six others.
On the issue of extremism, the Army Chief noted that minority communities are not safe abroad, particularly in countries like the US, the UK, and Canada, due to India’s extremist ideology. He highlighted India’s brutality in occupied Jammu and Kashmir as part of its Hindutva agenda, stressing the urgent need to resolve the Kashmir issue in accordance with United Nations resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.
General Munir also reiterated Pakistan’s long-standing calls for ceasefires in Gaza and Lebanon and emphasized the country’s continuous humanitarian aid to these regions. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state.
He further shared that over 235,000 Pakistanis have contributed to United Nations peace missions, with 181 losing their lives in the pursuit of global peace.
Pakistan, with a population of 240 million, of which nearly 63% is under the age of 30, is rich in natural resources, including vast mineral deposits. It has also become a significant player in the global freelancing market. The country’s unique geographical location and ports make it a crucial trade hub between Europe, Central Asia, and the Middle East.
The Army Chief also acknowledged the role of technology in spreading information and the challenges posed by the dissemination of misinformation. He emphasized that without comprehensive laws, hate speech continues to destabilize political and social structures, and unregulated freedom of expression is causing a decline in moral values across societies. He noted that globally, inequalities and divisions based on religious, sectarian, and ethnic grounds are increasing, leading to greater intolerance and polarization.