WEB DESK: Field Marshal Asim Munir, Pakistan’s Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff, has vowed to continue the country’s counterterrorism campaign, saying the armed forces will target what Pakistani military authorities describe as Indian-sponsored terrorist outfits.
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Munir made the remarks during a visit to Corps Headquarters in Peshawar on Friday, October 23, 2026. He was briefed on the security situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), ongoing counterterrorism operations, border management and the operational readiness of military formations deployed across the province.
Munir Reviews Security Situation in KP
During the visit, the field marshal was received by the Peshawar Corps commander and received an operational briefing covering security challenges and measures being taken to counter militant threats.
ISPR said Munir praised the morale and professionalism of military personnel and instructed them to maintain vigilance and the highest standards of operational readiness.
The military’s media wing quoted him as reaffirming the armed forces’ commitment to continuing the campaign against groups it identifies as Indian-sponsored terrorist outfits.
The allegation of Indian sponsorship reflects Pakistan’s official position; it should not be interpreted as independently verified evidence of responsibility for any particular attack.
Tribute to Security Personnel
Munir also paid tribute to security personnel killed in counterterrorism operations and acknowledged the sacrifices made by members of Pakistan’s security forces and the public.
According to ISPR, he expressed confidence that continued public support would help Pakistan defeat militant groups and their ideology.
His remarks come amid persistent security challenges in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, two provinces that have experienced repeated militant attacks and security operations.
Rising Security Concerns in Pakistan
The Centre for Research and Security Studies recorded an 83 per cent increase in violence-related fatalities across Pakistan during the third quarter of 2026.
According to the report, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan together accounted for 98 per cent of the reported fatalities during that period. Balochistan recorded 829 deaths, while KP reported 556.
The figures underline the scale of the security challenge facing authorities, although the reported fatalities encompass violence-related deaths and should not be treated as a count of terrorist attacks alone.
Recent Incidents Add to Security Pressure
The Peshawar visit followed a meeting of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa apex committee at the Governor House, attended by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and senior officials to review the province’s security situation.
Four police personnel were killed and two suspected militants died in an exchange of fire in Karak a day before Munir’s visit.
Earlier, security forces had conducted intelligence-based operations in Balochistan, including operations in Quetta, Nushki and Khuzdar.
These developments have added to pressure on security agencies to strengthen intelligence gathering, improve coordination and protect personnel and civilians from further attacks.
