Web Desk

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan&rsquo;s retaliatory military campaign against the Afghan Taliban positions has entered its tenth day, with Islamabad inflicting significant battlefield losses under Operation Ghazab lil Haq following repeated cross-border attacks. Pakistan Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said at least 583 Afghan Taliban combatants and affiliated terrorists have been killed and more than 795 injured since the operation began. In a statement posted on the social media platform X, Tarar said Pakistani forces had carried out sustained strikes on terrorist positions across Afghanistan as part of a coordinated military response. <div class="fr-embed"><div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered" style="display: flex; max-width: 550px; width: 100%; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><iframe id="twitter-widget-0" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="true" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 453px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-0&features=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%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=2030587917312135421&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Farticles%2F4625%2F&sessionId=e828074c8bda989f4ac2e5771cb5aef2af55607e&theme=light&widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&width=550px" data-tweet-id="2030587917312135421"></iframe></div></div> 242 Taliban check posts have been destroyed, while 38 additional posts were captured and subsequently demolished by Pakistani forces. The information minister stated that 213 tanks, armored vehicles and artillery guns belonging to Afghan Taliban forces were destroyed during the course of the operation. He also said 64 locations across Afghanistan were effectively targeted through air operations. He described the strikes as part of Pakistan&rsquo;s effort to dismantle infrastructure used to launch attacks across the border. Pakistan launched Operation Ghazab lil-Haq on February 26. The offensive began after Afghan Taliban forces initiated physical and fire attacks across multiple border sectors. Pakistani ground troops crossed the border fencing adjacent to North Waziristan to clear Afghan Taliban compounds and seize control of outposts. Precision airstrikes destroyed major command centers, including two Corps Headquarters and a Brigade Headquarters in Kandahar. Early in the campaign, Pakistani anti-drone systems intercepted hostile quadcopters targeting civilian areas. Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations Lt. Gen. Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry described the operation as a proportionate response executed in legitimate self-defense. The military systematically targets groups designated by the state as Fitna al-Khawarij and Fitna al-Hindustan. The government uses the term Fitna al-Khawarij to classify the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan and its affiliates. The Ministry of Interior officially designates terrorist organizations operating in Balochistan as Fitna al-Hindustan. The ministry states these groups carry out violent attacks on directives from India to damage the sovereignty of the country. Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir visited forward-deployed troops in South Waziristan to oversee the offensive. He declared the use of Afghan soil for terrorism against Pakistan unacceptable and authorized all necessary measures to neutralize the threat. Pakistani officials maintain the operation will continue until Kabul provides credible guarantees and takes concrete steps to halt its support for terrorist networks.

Pakistani army trucks carrying ammunition arrive near the Torkham border between Afghanistan and Pakistan on February 28, 2026. (AFP)

Security

Pakistan says Operation Ghazab lil Haq has killed 583 Afghan Taliban fighters and destroyed key positions over 10 days, as Islamabad vows to continue cross-border strikes until Kabul halts militant support.

Pakistan kills 583 Taliban combatants as border operation enters day ten

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday visited General Headquarters for a detailed security briefing on the evolving&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pakistantv.com/article/why-pakistan-struck-afghanistan" target="_blank" style="color:#0073e6;" rel="noopener noreferrer">Pakistan&ndash;Afghanistan border situation</a>, as Islamabad reported significant losses inflicted on Afghan Taliban forces during retaliatory operations.&nbsp;According to a statement from the Prime Minister&rsquo;s Office, PM Sharif met senior military leadership and reviewed&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pakistantv.com/article/pakistan-army-kills-274-afghan-taliban-affiliates-as-operation-ghazab-lil-haq-continues" target="_blank" style="color:#0073e6;" rel="noopener noreferrer">ongoing operational and security developments</a>&nbsp;along the western border.&nbsp;Addressing the meeting, the prime minister directed that &ldquo;zero tolerance&rdquo; be shown toward the nexus between Fitna al-Khawarij and the Afghan Taliban regime, accusing them of orchestrating cross-border violence against Pakistan. &ldquo;The activities of the Afghan Taliban regime and Fitna al-Khawarij against Pakistan are unacceptable,&rdquo; Sharif said, according to the statement.&nbsp;He reaffirmed confidence in the country&rsquo;s defense posture, saying Pakistan&rsquo;s armed forces, under the leadership of Asim Munir, remain fully prepared to defend national sovereignty.&nbsp;&ldquo;Pakistan knows very well how to defend itself against any aggression,&rdquo; the prime minister said, while praising the armed forces for what he called their professionalism and effective response to recent attacks.<div class="fr-embed"><div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered" style="display: flex; max-width: 550px; width: 100%; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><iframe id="twitter-widget-0" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="true" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-0&features=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%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=2027378237693636665&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Farticles%2F&sessionId=474dcd5142e766d958cde2e29c4a9c2530630431&theme=light&widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&width=550px" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 648px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;" data-tweet-id="2027378237693636665"></iframe></div></div>&nbsp;Earlier, the military said at least 274 Afghan Taliban fighters and terrorists had been killed so far in Pakistan&rsquo;s retaliatory action following unprovoked aggression along the Pakistan&ndash;Afghanistan border.&nbsp;Briefing the media, Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said Pakistan carried out targeted strikes on terrorist hideouts inside Afghanistan during the night of February 21 and 22, as part of a broader response to border violations.&nbsp;The prime minister commended the armed forces for repelling attacks in border areas and for carrying out what he termed a &ldquo;full retaliatory action.&rdquo;&nbsp;&ldquo;The entire nation stands shoulder to shoulder with its armed forces for the protection of the motherland,&rdquo; Sharif said.

Foreign Affairs

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif visits GHQ for a security briefing on Pakistan-Afghanistan border tensions, orders zero tolerance for cross-border militancy, and backs retaliatory strikes, as military reports 274 Afghan Taliban fighters killed in operations.

PM Sharif briefed at military headquarters as Pakistan inflicts heavy Taliban losses

<span style="font-size: 18px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">ISLAMABAD: Pakistan&#39;s Chief of the Army Staff and Chief of Defense Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir visited Bahawalpur Garrison, where he reaffirmed that Pakistan Armed Forces remain &ldquo;fully prepared to defend Pakistan&rsquo;s sovereignty and territorial integrity against all threats,&rdquo; the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement issued on Thursday. <span style="font-size: 18px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Field Marshal Munir was briefed on &ldquo;operational, training and administrative aspects of the Corps, with a special focus on preparations for multi-domain warfare.&rdquo;<span style="font-size: 18px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><img src="https://paktv-assets-7d41fab8.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/62b49d03-c2ad-4cfd-bbeb-cd6c24f38e0f.jpeg" style="width: 598px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"> <span style="font-size: 18px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">According to the ISPR press release, the Field Marshal Asim Munir witnessed a high-intensity field exercise titled &ldquo;Steadfast Resolve&rdquo; at Khairpur Tamewali, which &ldquo;encompass[ed] integration of niche technologies like unmanned aerial systems (drones), advanced surveillance assets, Electronic Warfare assets and modern command-and-control mechanisms.&rdquo; <span style="font-size: 18px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The exercise, the statement said, reflected &ldquo;the Armed Forces&rsquo; focus on technology-enabled multi-domain operations.&rdquo;<span style="font-size: 18px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><img src="https://paktv-assets-7d41fab8.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/bcedcef4-49c5-4d7d-8733-876224096305.jpeg" style="width: 614px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"> <span style="font-size: 18px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Addressing the troops, the Field Marshal lauded their &ldquo;high morale, professional competence and operational preparedness,&rdquo; and reaffirmed that the Pakistan Armed Forces &ldquo;remain fully prepared to defend Pakistan&rsquo;s sovereignty and territorial integrity against all <span style="font-size: 18px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://www.pakistantv.com/article/field-marshal-warns-india-against-sabotaging-peace" target="_blank" style="color:#0073e6;" rel="noopener noreferrer">threats</a><span style="font-size: 18px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">.&rdquo; <span style="font-size: 18px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">He emphasized &ldquo;the need to maintain optimum readiness to meet the requirements of future Battlefield and <span style="font-size: 18px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://www.pakistantv.com/article/field-marshal-munir-stresses-zero-tolerance-for-security-threats" target="_blank" style="color:#0073e6;" rel="noopener noreferrer">security challenges</a><span style="font-size: 18px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">.&rdquo;<span style="font-size: 18px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><img src="https://paktv-assets-7d41fab8.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/2bed09c2-52f9-4be8-b93c-5c001ca5cbe0.png" style="width: 605px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"><span style="font-size: 18px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The CDF said that the Pakistan Armed Forces &ldquo;are undergoing major transformation in multiple domains,&rdquo; noting that the &ldquo;character of war has evolved massively, with technological advancements driving the evolution, dictating huge mental transformation at all tiers.&rdquo; <span style="font-size: 18px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">&ldquo;In future, technological manoeuvres will replace physical manoeuvres and will fundamentally alter the way offensive and defensive operations are undertaken,&rdquo; the statement quoted him as saying, adding that &ldquo;Pakistan Armed Forces are embracing and absorbing technology at a rapid pace.&rdquo; In this process, the statement said, &ldquo;innovation, indigenization and adaptation shall remain fundamental.&rdquo; <span style="font-size: 18px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Earlier, the Chief of Defence Forces inaugurated the ROHI eSkills Learning Hub aimed at promoting digital skills and learning opportunities for students, &ldquo;particularly from Southern Punjab and across the country.&rdquo; He also inaugurated the APS Abbasia Campus, reaffirming the Pakistan Army&rsquo;s commitment to &ldquo;quality education and character building.&rdquo;<span style="font-size: 18px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><img src="https://paktv-assets-7d41fab8.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/015383b8-00ef-44a9-b273-7bd61d6011aa.jpeg" style="width: 391px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">During the visit, he also attended the EME Regional Workshop, where he was briefed on &ldquo;the maintenance regime to sustain modern platforms through advanced technologies, indigenization, and other combat support measures.&rdquo; <span style="font-size: 18px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Upon arrival at Bahawalpur Garrison, the Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces was received by the Commander Bahawalpur Corps. He later laid a floral wreath at Yadgar-e-Shuhada and offered Fateha, &ldquo;paying tribute to the supreme sacrifices of the martyrs,&rdquo; the ISPR said.

Chief of Defense Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir visited Bahawalpur Garrison where is was briefed on various operational, training and administrative aspects of the Corps, with special focus on preparations for multi-domain warfare (ISPR)

During a visit to Bahawalpur Garrison, the Chief of Defense Forces was briefed on operational, training and administrative aspects of the Corps; special focus was given on preparations for multi-domain warfare.

Armed forces fully prepared to defend Pakistan’s sovereignty: Field Marshal Munir

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and World Liberty Financial USA signed a memorandum of understanding in Islamabad on Wednesday&nbsp;to advance cooperation on crypto, digital payments innovation, and cross-border financial transactions. A delegation of World Liberty Financial USA, led by CEO Zachary Witkoff, called on Pakistan&rsquo;s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad, said a press release issued by Pakistan&rsquo;s Prime Minister&rsquo;s Office.<div class="fr-embed"><div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered" style="display: flex; max-width: 550px; width: 100%; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; line-height: 2;"><iframe id="twitter-widget-3" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-3&features=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%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=2011341672937111583&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Fsections%2F&sessionId=8ed77d2d00081bb47726d566733c5b6575426bfd&theme=light&widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&width=550px" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 624px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</iframe></div></div>Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Chief of the Army Staff and Chief of Defense Forces&nbsp;Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Minister for Finance Muhammad Aurangzeb, SAPM Syed Tariq Fatemi, and Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (PVARA) Chairman Bilal Bin Saqib also attended the meeting. Welcoming the delegation, the prime minister shared his vision for digital Pakistan, aimed at increasing connectivity, access, transparency, and openness for citizens. He said the rapid growth of digital payments and financial innovation is essential to Pakistan&rsquo;s expanding digital economy. The prime minister appreciated the growing international interest in Pakistan&rsquo;s digital financial markets and noted with deep satisfaction that Pakistan is fast becoming part of the global digital finance landscape. Zachary Witkoff expressed keen interest in engaging with Pakistan to build a secure, transparent digital payment infrastructure, including innovations in cross-border settlement and foreign exchange processes. He lauded Pakistan&rsquo;s policy framework, which is helping to position the country as a leading contender in the global digital finance landscape.Witkoff expressed a keen desire to further deepen engagement with Pakistan to explore next-generation digital payment and cross-border finance innovations. Signing of MoUPrime Minister Sharif and CDF Munir later witnessed the signing of the MoU between the Government of Pakistan and SC Financial Technologies LLC, an affiliated entity of World Liberty Financial, to enable structured dialogue and technical understanding around emerging digital payment architectures for cross-border transactions. Minister for Finance Muhammad Aurangzeb and CEO World Liberty Financial Zachary Witkoff signed the MoU on behalf of the respective sides.&nbsp;&lsquo;New economy&rsquo;Pakistan TV Digital correspondent Ayesha Mir spoke with Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, World Liberty Financial executives, and the chairman of PVARA, following the signing of the MoU between Pakistan and World Liberty Financial. Witkoff, the company&rsquo;s CEO, said, &ldquo;We&rsquo;re really excited about this MoU to bring the most regulated digital dollar in the world to Pakistan and its people.&rdquo; He added that the company was &ldquo;really excited to do business here.&rdquo; Finance Minister Aurangzeb framed the development as part of Pakistan&rsquo;s transition to what he called the &ldquo;new economy.&rdquo; He said the journey began last year with the formation of the Crypto Council and accelerated after learning from US legislative efforts. &ldquo;With this MoU, we take it to the next level,&rdquo; he said, adding that the government wanted to fast-track the process to help Pakistan &ldquo;leapfrog in terms of the new economy.&rdquo; &lsquo;Can&rsquo;t hide my excitement&rsquo;Aurangzeb also highlighted the scale of crypto adoption in the country, revising earlier estimates upward. &ldquo;It&rsquo;s not really 20 million; my latest understanding is that it&#39;s about 40 million,&rdquo; he said, describing strong uptake among young people and freelancers. &ldquo;As a finance minister, all I can say is that I can&rsquo;t hide my excitement to be on this journey.&rdquo; Bilal Bin Saqib, chairman of PVARA, stressed that the government was not promoting crypto but regulating an activity that already exists.&nbsp; &ldquo;We are not essentially promoting; we are regulating the adoption which has already existed without any classroom, without any framework,&rdquo; he said, calling the MoU a sign that Pakistan is creating an enabling but risk-mitigated environment. &lsquo;Crypto speed&rsquo;&nbsp;World Liberty Financial co-founder Chase Herro praised the pace of reform understanding. &ldquo;This absolutely is the fastest yet,&rdquo; he said, with Bin Saqib adding, &ldquo;This is being done at crypto speed.&rdquo; Zak Folkman, co-founder and COO of World Liberty Financial, outlined the economic rationale behind the agreement. He said between $20 billion and $25 billion in digital assets held by Pakistanis currently sit outside the formal system. By introducing USD1 and a regulated foreign exchange model, he said, Pakistan could bring these funds into compliance, reduce reliance on &ldquo;grey and black market brokers,&rdquo; lower costs for ordinary users, and attract foreign investment. &ldquo;Pakistan has always been at the forefront; now it&rsquo;s just time to bring it into a regulated ecosystem,&rdquo; Folkman said.

Economy

The signing -- witnessed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Field Marshal Asim Munir, and other top officials -- aims to modernize Pakistan’s digital finance ecosystem, enhance transparency, and attract foreign investment.

Pakistan, World Liberty Financial sign MoU advancing crypto cooperation

ISLAMABAD: Bangladesh&rsquo;s Air Force chief on Thursday held talks with Pakistan&rsquo;s top military leadership, underscoring continued defense engagement and cooperation between the two South Asian countries, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said.&nbsp;According to the military&rsquo;s media wing, Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan met separately with Pakistan&rsquo;s naval and army chiefs during his visit to Islamabad and Rawalpindi.&nbsp;The Bangladeshi air chief called on Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf at Naval Headquarters in Islamabad, where the two discussed regional security developments and bilateral defence cooperation, the ISPR statement said.&nbsp;Admiral Ashraf briefed his counterpart on Pakistan Navy initiatives aimed at promoting maritime peace and stability in the region. Air Chief Marshal Khan acknowledged the Pakistan Navy&rsquo;s &ldquo;high professional standards,&rdquo; according to the statement.&nbsp;Both sides agreed to enhance high-level military exchanges and expand joint training programs.&nbsp;Khan also met Chief of Defense Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir at General Headquarters in Rawalpindi. The discussions focused on the regional security environment and ways to further strengthen defense and military-to-military cooperation.&nbsp;The two leaders reviewed avenues for expanding professional collaboration, training exchanges and institutional linkages between the armed forces of Pakistan and Bangladesh, the military said.&nbsp;The Bangladeshi air chief appreciated the role of Pakistan&rsquo;s armed forces in promoting regional peace and stability. Field Marshal Munir reaffirmed Pakistan&rsquo;s commitment to maintaining and strengthening defense relations with Bangladesh.&nbsp;The visit follows a trip by Pakistan&rsquo;s naval chief to Dhaka in late 2025, reflecting growing defense-level engagement between the two countries, the ISPR added.

Bangladesh’s air chief meets Pakistan’s top military leaders to discuss regional security, enhance defence cooperation, expand joint training, and strengthen professional ties between armed forces.

Bangladesh, Pakistan discuss regional security, boost defense cooperation talks

ISLAMABAD: Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defense Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir reviewed operational readiness and training standards during a visit to Lahore Garrison, reaffirming the Pakistan Army&rsquo;s zero-tolerance policy towards any threat to national security, the military said on Thursday.&nbsp; According to Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the media wing of the Pakistani military, the army chief was given a comprehensive briefing on the formation&rsquo;s readiness, ongoing training programs and key initiatives aimed at enhancing combat efficiency in line with evolving battlefield requirements. The COAS and CDF also witnessed a specialized field training exercise incorporating latest military technologies, underscoring the Army&rsquo;s focus on innovation and adaptability to meet future challenges. He later inspected sports and recreational facilities for troops, highlighting their role in maintaining physical fitness, morale and overall well-being. During the visit, Field Marshal Asim Munir also toured a High Care Center at CMH Lahore and praised the medical staff and administration for establishing a fully equipped, state-of-the-art healthcare facility for soldiers and their families. Addressing officers at the garrison, the army chief reiterated that the Pakistan armed forces remain fully committed to safeguarding the country&rsquo;s sovereignty, territorial integrity and internal stability. He stressed that professionalism, discipline and determination would continue to guide the Army in confronting multifaceted security challenges. Earlier, upon his arrival at Lahore Garrison, the COAS and CDF was received by the Commander Lahore Corps.

Reiterates that the Pakistan Armed Forces remain fully committed to safeguarding the country’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and internal stability.

Field Marshal Munir reaffirms 'zero tolerance' against security threats

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan&#39;s Chief of Army Staff and Chief of the Defence Forces&nbsp;Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir has warned India that its proxies in Balochistan will face &ldquo;stern action&rdquo; for sabotaging peace and development. &ldquo;Indian-sponsored proxies continue to propagate violence and disrupt development in Balochistan,&rdquo; the ISPR quoted the field marshal as saying in a press statement here on Wednesday. &ldquo;Such inimical designs will be thwarted through stern action by security forces to rid the province of terrorism and unrest,&rdquo; the field marshal said while addressing participants of the 18th National Workshop on Balochistan at General Headquarters (GHQ). The workshop focused on exploring Balochistan&rsquo;s socio-economic development and its strategic importance for Pakistan. The ISPR statement said Field Marshal&nbsp;Munir spoke at length about Pakistan&rsquo;s efforts to ensure regional peace and stability. Munir is credited with leading the defense forces and repelling an Indian attack on Pakistan on May 7. International media have not only analyzed the spectacular defense mounted by Pakistan&rsquo;s forces but have also highlighted Field Marshal&nbsp;Munir&rsquo;s growing role in regional and international affairs. Coverage has highlighted his engagements with global leaders, including meetings with US President Donald Trump, as well as his influence on regional and global security dynamics. According to the ISPR, Field Marshal&nbsp;Munir reaffirmed the security forces&rsquo; commitment to rooting out terrorism and protecting Pakistan&rsquo;s territorial integrity. &ldquo;Any violation of Pakistan&rsquo;s territorial integrity, whether direct or indirect, will be met with a firm and decisive response. The Pakistan Armed Forces remain committed to protecting the lives and well-being of their citizens,&rdquo; the ISPR statement quoted Munir as saying. During his address, the field marshal praised the resilience and patriotism of the people of Balochistan and highlighted the province&rsquo;s pivotal importance to Pakistan&rsquo;s prosperity and development. He lauded the wide-ranging initiatives being undertaken by the federal and provincial governments, underscoring a people-centric approach aimed at improving socio-economic conditions and unlocking Balochistan&rsquo;s vast economic potential for the benefit of its people. Munir acknowledged the constructive role of civil society, particularly in debunking propaganda, and highlighted its crucial contribution to driving sustainable development. He stressed the importance of rejecting vested political agendas to ensure that Balochistan&rsquo;s future is shaped by long-term prosperity for all its residents. The session concluded with an interactive question-and-answer session, during which Field Marshal Munir responded to queries and spoke about ongoing efforts to develop Balochistan and ensure its security.

Says Indian-sponsored proxies engage in violence and disrupt development in Balochistan; vows decisive action against direct or indirect threats to Pakistan.

Field Marshal Munir warns India against sabotaging peace

ISLAMABAD: United Arab Emirates (UAE) President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan arrived in Pakistan on Friday for his first official visit since assuming office, holding talks with Pakistani leaders on bilateral relations and regional security, the Prime Minister&#39;s Office said. According to the statement, Al Nahyan arrived in Islamabad on December 26 at the invitation of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Upon entering Pakistani airspace, the presidential aircraft was escorted by Pakistani JF-17 fighter jets. Chief of Defense Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, PM Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, and senior cabinet members received the Emirati leader at the Nur Khan Airbase, Rawalpindi. The two leaders held a meeting in Islamabad, PM Sharif said in a Facebook post. &quot;The meeting focused on further strengthening the long-standing fraternal relations between Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates,&quot; the statement stated. According to the statement, the two leaders reviewed progress in ongoing cooperation and explored possibilities for deeper engagement across various sectors The two sides underscored the importance of expanding collaboration in economic cooperation, investment, energy, infrastructure development, information technology and people-to-people exchanges, the statement said. They also agreed to enhance bilateral trade, which holds significant potential for mutual benefit, according to the statement. The leaders exchanged views on regional and international developments and reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining close coordination on matters of mutual interest, the statement said. &quot;The two leaders expressed satisfaction with the positive trajectory of bilateral relations and renewed their resolve to work together to achieve shared goals of peace, stability and sustainable development,&quot; the statement said. The visit is expected to strengthen ties between the two countries and provide new momentum to their strategic partnership.

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan arrived in Pakistan Friday for his first official visit to discuss economic cooperation and regional security.

UAE President's maiden Pakistan trip targets stronger bilateral relations

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Army Chief and Chief of Defense Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir on Wednesday presided over the 273rd Corps Commanders&rsquo; Conference (CCC) held at General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi, according to a statement by the military media.&nbsp;The meeting conducted a detailed review of internal and external security environments, focusing on evolving threats and operational preparedness, said Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) statement.&nbsp;&ldquo;Due to the joint efforts of the Government and Pakistan Army and the steadfast support of the Pakistani people, our country is moving gradually but surely toward stability, broader opportunities, and honor and dignity&rdquo;, added the statement.&nbsp;The conference participants reaffirmed that all &ldquo;terrorists, their facilitators, and supporters operating under Indian patronage&rdquo; will be dealt with decisively.&nbsp;Military&rsquo;s top brass vowed that any &ldquo;malicious efforts&rdquo; aimed at undermining Pakistan&rsquo;s unity, security, and stability would not be tolerated, said the statement.&nbsp;The field marshal also paid tribute to the law enforcement agencies, innocent civilians who lost their lives in terrorist activities, and the Armed Forces for &ldquo;their courage, professionalism, and sacrifices&rdquo;, added the statement.&nbsp;The forum also reiterated Pakistan commitment to the people&rsquo;s &ldquo;right to self-determination and their legitimate struggle&rdquo; in Kashmir and Gaza.&nbsp;The CDF Munir also expressed his full confidence in Pakistan Army capability to effectively &ldquo;counter conventional and sub-conventional threats as well as asymmetric challenges&rdquo; to the country sovereignty and territorial integrity, as per the statement.&nbsp;&ldquo;The COAS and CDF directed commanders to maintain the highest standards of operational readiness, discipline, training, physical fitness, technological innovations, and battlefield adaptability,&rdquo; the statement concluded.

Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir led the 273rd Corps Commanders’ Conference, reviewed security threats, vowed action against terrorism, honored sacrifices, and reaffirmed support for Kashmir and Gaza.

Pakistan military leadership vows to crush facilitators of terrorism

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Army Chief and Chief of Defense Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir on Tuesday visited the National Defence University (NDU), where he was briefed by civil and military participants of the ongoing National Security and War Course, according to an official press release.&nbsp;During the visit, participants presented their academic views on challenges to national security and ways to address them, the statement said.&nbsp;Munir outlined the evolving global, regional, and internal security environment. He said Pakistan faces persistent challenges across multiple domains, including conventional, sub-conventional, informational, and economic. He noted that hostile elements increasingly rely on indirect methods and proxies to exploit internal fault lines, rather than confrontation. He stressed the need for future leaders to recognize and counter such complex threats.&nbsp;The field marshal also highlighted the importance of clear decision-making and intellectual resilience in an uncertain security environment.&nbsp;He praised NDU&rsquo;s role in developing strategic thinkers and underscored the importance of professional military education for long-term national resilience, the statement said.&nbsp;He appreciated the participants&rsquo; analyses and urged them to remain vigilant and steadfast in upholding professional values.

Army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir visited the National Defence University, Islamabad, received briefings on national security challenges, highlighted multi-domain and proxy threats to the country, stressed the need for clear decision-making, and praised military education for building strategic leadership and national resilience.

Articles tagged with "Field Marshal Asim Munir"