ISLAMABAD:
Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir said on Friday that Islamabad sought peaceful and cooperative relations with Afghanistan and warned Kabul against permitting Indian-sponsored terrorist proxies to operate from its soil.
Addressing officers of the 52nd Common Training Programme in Islamabad, Field Marshal Asim maintained that Afghanistan was a neighbouring Islamic country but it must act responsibly and curb the influence of hostile forces operating in its territory.
“We ask only one thing: do not give space to India’s terrorist proxies – Fitna al-Hind and Fitna al-Khawarij,” he said. Afghanistan remains a “brotherly, neighbouring Islamic country” but it must act responsibly and curb the influence of hostile forces operating in its territory, he added.
He highlighted the crucial role of a transparent and efficient civil bureaucracy in national development, stressing that its service-based structure was indispensable in the state system. He emphasised the need for institutional cohesion and mutual understanding between civil and military leadership.
In his address, the army chief discussed national security, internal and external challenges and the vital role of the armed forces in safeguarding regional peace and stability. He urged the officers to embody the highest standards of integrity, professionalism and patriotism in their duties.
He also highlighted the importance of inter-institutional cooperation and mutual respect in advancing Pakistan’s strategic and developmental goals. He expressed his belief that such collaboration between civilian and military sectors would help strengthen Pakistan’s position on the global stage.
The COAS’s remarks underscored the necessity for a capable civil bureaucracy to efficiently manage state affairs and contribute to the country’s development. The meeting concluded with an interactive question-and-answer session, reflecting a spirit of shared responsibility and collective commitment to Pakistan’s progress.
