Pakistan’s army chief and commander of the defence forces, Field Marshal Asim Munir, says Islamabad has the right, under the framework of “self-defence,” to carry out targeted actions against terrorism originating from Afghan territory.
Munir made the remarks on October 2 at a meeting of the commanders of Pakistan’s 277th Corps in Rawalpindi. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the meeting emphasized the continuation of targeted actions against terrorism emanating from Afghan territory.
Pakistan’s military leadership has alleged that the Taliban leadership is facilitating terrorist groups operating on behalf of India and bears responsibility for the consequences of the situation. Pakistani officials have for some time accused the Taliban of providing sanctuary in Afghanistan to armed groups opposed to Pakistan, allegations the Taliban have denied.
At the meeting, the Pakistani military also emphasized the continuation of intelligence-based counterterrorism operations and maintaining a high level of operational readiness among its forces.
The remarks come as Pakistan has carried out airstrikes in Afghanistan’s Kunar and Helmand provinces in recent days. According to the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), at least 10 civilians have been killed in the strikes, while Pakistan says the attacks targeted positions belonging to armed groups.
Writer:Saeed Sameer
