ISLAMABAD: Pakistan's Chief of Defense Forces and Chief of Army Staff, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, on Monday said that Afghanistan must choose between Pakistan and Afghanistan-based terrorists.
“A clear message has been conveyed to the Taliban regime: they have no option except to choose between the fitna of the Kharijites or Pakistan,” the Chief of Defense Forces said.
The remarks came during his address to officers from all three armed services at General Headquarters (GHQ), Rawalpindi, where he received a tri-services guard of honor to mark his appointment as Pakistan’s first Chief of Defense Forces, according to state-run PTV News.
Pakistan uses the term "khawarij" or “kharijites” to refer to the proscribed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, an umbrella network of armed terrorist groups.
According to a statement by the military's media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Field Marshal Munir reiterated the extraordinary courage and conviction displayed by the Pakistani nation, particularly the professionalism of the valiant men and women of the Armed Forces of Pakistan during Marka-e-Haq.
He said that the multi-domain operations of Marka-e-Haq have become a textbook example and case study for future warfare.
The field marshal paid deep homage to the martyrs, who he said would always remain the pride of the nation.
Speaking about India, Field Marshal Munir said that it must not be under any illusion that Pakistan’s next response will be even swifter and more severe than the one it dealt to India in May.
‘Multi-domain operations’
Talking about the establishment of the newly formed Defense Forces Headquarters, Field Marshal Munir said that it is a “historic structural change.” He added that, in view of evolving and increasing threats, it is essential to further improve “multi-domain operations under a unified system of the three services.”
Munir said that the armed forces must remain aligned with the new realities of warfare, which are expanding into an array of emerging technologies in cyberspace, the electromagnetic spectrum, information operations, artificial intelligence, and quantum computing.
“The creation of the Defense Forces Headquarters is a necessary step towards this transformation,” he said.
The field marshal added that the Defense Forces Headquarters will coordinate and harmonize operations across all services, while each service will maintain its “individuality” to ensure operational preparedness.
“Along with unity at the higher command level, all three services will retain their internal autonomy and organizational structures,” he said.
Peace-loving country
Speaking about Pakistan, the field marshal emphasized that Pakistan is a peace-loving country and that no one will be allowed to undermine its sovereignty or territorial integrity or test its resolve.
“Let everyone know that the idea of Pakistan is invincible, and its protection is ensured by the faith-driven bravery of our soldiers and the steadfast resolve of a united nation,” Field Marshal Munir said.
