Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff, General Asim Munir, has said that the country’s military will continue targeted operations against the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Baloch separatists until, according to him, the roots of security threats are completely eliminated.
Pakistan’s Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement on Thursday that Asim Munir made the remarks during a meeting with participants of the “20th National Workshop Balochistan” at the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi.
He stressed that Pakistan remains firmly committed to eliminating any security threats facing the country and its people, stating: “Targeted operations against Fitna al-Khawarij and Fitna al-Hind will continue with full determination until the threat of terrorism and its supporters are completely eliminated.”
The Pakistani military uses the term “Fitna al-Khawarij” to refer to the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and “Fitna al-Hind” to refer to Baloch separatist groups.
Asim Munir added that the military would target the hideouts and bases of armed groups wherever they are considered a threat to Pakistan’s security.
The remarks come as Pakistan has repeatedly alleged that the TTP organizes attacks against Pakistan from Afghan territory. The Taliban have rejected these allegations, saying they will not allow Afghan soil to be used against any country.
The Pakistani military has also claimed that foreign-backed proxy groups are attempting to increase violence in Balochistan, undermine stability, and disrupt the peace process.
Asim Munir described Balochistan as a key province for Pakistan’s development, saying that development projects in the province will continue due to its natural resources and the potential of its people, with the aim of improving its economic and social conditions.
Writer:Saeed Sameer
