“Terrorists Backed by Afghan Taliban Are Targeting Our Civilians and Children”: Field Marshal Asim Munir

Islamabad, Pakistan — Pakistan’s Field Marshal and Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir has accused militants operating with alleged backing from the Afghan Taliban of carrying out attacks against Pakistani civilians, including women and children, calling it a grave threat to regional peace and security.
Addressing an Ulema and Mashaykh Conference, General Munir stated that 70 percent of the formations of “Fitna al-Khawarij” entering Pakistan from Afghanistan consist of Afghan nationals, citing intelligence assessments and ground evidence.
He issued a stark warning, saying that Afghanistan will have to choose between the Khawarij militants and Pakistan, emphasizing that Islamabad has repeatedly conveyed its concerns to Afghan authorities about the use of Afghan soil for cross-border terrorism.
The army chief stressed that terrorism has no place in Islam and that the killing of innocent people is categorically un-Islamic. He underscored the importance of religious scholars in countering extremist narratives and promoting peace, tolerance, and harmony within society.
General Munir reaffirmed Pakistan’s resolve to defend its sovereignty and protect its citizens, stating that counterterrorism operations would continue with full force. The remarks come amid heightened regional tensions and renewed international focus on cross-border militancy and stability in South Asia.