- Gen Munir states Fitna al-Khawarij has become ‘home to all terrorist organisations and proxies of the world
- Pakistan will not participate in any global conflict, but will continue contributing to global peace and stability: Army chief
- Says without comprehensive laws and regulations, false and misleading information, will destabilise political and social structures
ISLAMABAD: Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir on Friday highlighted the impact of technology in spreading false information, reiterating that unrestricted freedom of speech was “leading to the degradation of moral values in all societies.”
Gen Munir was speaking on the topic of “Pakistan’s role in peace and stability” at the Margalla Dialogue 2024 in Islamabad, organised by the Islamabad Policy Research Institute (IPRI) on Friday.
According to a statement issued by PTV on its X account, the COAS said, “Unrestricted freedom of speech is leading to the degradation of moral values in all societies.”
He said that while technology had played an important role in the dissemination of information, “the spread of misleading and incorrect knowledge was a major challenge”.
“Without comprehensive laws and regulations, false and misleading information, and hate speech will continue to destabilise political and social structures,” he said.
‘TTP home to all terrorist proxies worldwide’
During his speech, the COAS talked at length about how violent non-state actors and state-sponsored terrorism had become major global challenges.
“Terrorism is a common challenge for all humanity globally, and Pakistan has an unwavering commitment to the fight against terrorism,” he said.
He also stated that a robust border management system had been implemented to secure Pakistan’s border with Afghanistan against Fitna al Khawarij, who he said was “home to all the terrorist organisations and proxies of the world”.
“Pakistan expects the Afghan Interim Government not to allow Afghan territory to be used for terrorism and to take strict measures in this regard,” Gen Munir reiterated.
In July, the government, through an official notification, designated the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) as Fitna al Khawarij, while mandating all institutions to use the term khariji (outcast) when referring to the perpetrators of terrorist attacks on Pakistan.
Operation Radd-ul-Fasaad
The Chief of Army Staff stated that Radd-ul-Fasaad is an essential part of the National Action Plan, aimed at eradicating terrorism and extremism.
“Due to India’s extremist ideology, minorities are unsafe abroad, particularly in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada. New Delhi’s brutality in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir is also a continuation of its Hindutva ideology and policies,” he further added.
Pakistan has always supported free Palestinian state
During his speech, Gen Munir emphasised the need for resolution of the Kashmir issue according to the United Nations resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri.
He also highlighted that Pakistan has consistently called for a ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon and has provided humanitarian aid to Gaza and Lebanon multiple times.
‘Pakistan has always advocated for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state,’ the army chief added.
The COAS reaffirmed that Pakistan will not participate in any global conflict but will continue contributing to global peace and stability.
He also highlighted that in the interest of international peace, 235,000 Pakistanis have served in United Nations peacekeeping missions, while 181 Pakistanis have laid down their lives for global peace under these missions.
Gen Munir further noted that Pakistan is a nation of 240 million people, with nearly 63% of its population under the age of 30 and that the country is blessed with immense natural resources and has emerged as a leading agricultural producer globally. The country also holds large deposits of rare minerals and plays a significant role internationally in freelancing.
He added that due to its rich resources, unique geographical location, and seaports, Pakistan is strategically crucial for trade with Europe, Central Asia, and the Middle East. The Army Chief affirmed that Pakistan will always contribute positively to regional and global peace.
