ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir reiterated on Wednesday that the country’s territorial integrity and the security of its citizens is “paramount” for the armed forces, as Islamabad’s tensions with Kabul surge amid allegations of cross-border “terrorism.”
Pakistan’s already strained ties with Afghanistan suffered a further blow on Tuesday when Kabul blamed Islamabad for carrying out overnight airstrikes in its territory on Tuesday. Pakistan’s military denied it had attacked Afghanistan as Kabul vowed to retaliate at a time of its choosing.
Islamabad has admitted to carrying out airstrikes in Afghanistan in the past, blaming Kabul for sheltering militants it alleges launch attacks against Pakistan. Afghanistan denies the allegations and has said Pakistan’s security challenges are its internal matter.
“The COAS reiterated that the territorial integrity, security and protection of every Pakistani citizen is paramount for Pakistan Army and will not be compromised under any circumstances,” the military’s media wing, ISPR, said in a statement.
Munir was speaking to participants of the National Security Workshop–27 (NSW–27), a flagship program of Pakistan’s National Defense University. The NSW-27 brings together parliamentarians, senior civil and military officers and representatives from academia and civil society.
