Field Marshal Asim Munir has accused India of intensifying its proxy war against Pakistan following its defeat in "Marka-e-Haq"—a 19-day military conflict that ended on May 10.
Speaking during an interaction with participants of the 16th National Workshop in Balochistan, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) condemned what he called India's blatant sponsorship of terror networks, warning that such efforts would meet the same fate as in the recent conflict.
According to a statement by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) on Wednesday, Field Marshal Munir said India’s attempts to destabilize Pakistan through hybrid warfare—via operations dubbed Fitna-al-Khawarij and Fitna-al-Hindustan—were failing. “These proxies will face the same humiliation India endured during Marka-e-Haq,” he asserted.
Addressing a diverse audience of parliamentarians, civil society members, academics, media professionals, and youth, the army chief stressed the importance of unity in the fight against terrorism. “Terrorists have no religion, sect, or ethnicity. A unified national response is essential to eliminate this threat once and for all,” he said.
The COAS reaffirmed the Pakistan Army's commitment to not only eradicating terrorism but also uplifting Balochistan through socio-economic development. “National integration hinges on progress in Balochistan. We will continue to safeguard our people and defend national prestige from all internal and external threats,” he said.
He also called for stronger inter-agency coordination and a unified approach to fast-track development initiatives in Balochistan, which he said are key to regional stability and national growth.
Field Marshal Munir’s remarks come on the heels of the Pakistan Army’s 271st Corps Commanders’ Conference, where military leadership vowed “decisive and holistic action” against Indian-backed proxies. The top brass also took serious note of what they described as baseless Indian claims—an attempt to mask its military setbacks in Marka-e-Haq.
Echoing this sentiment, DG ISPR Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry recently told Al Jazeera that India has been acting like a regional bully, using terror proxies and transnational networks to carry out targeted assassinations within Pakistan. He pointed to evidence linking Indian intelligence officers to cross-border killings, carried out through criminal syndicates.
The proxy war against Pakistan, Field Marshal Munir warned, will not only fail but will further expose India’s desperation on the international stage. “Pakistan remains ready—militarily, diplomatically, and morally—to defend its sovereignty and ensure the safety of its people,” he concluded.
