Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir has vowed to continue counter-terrorism operations against India-sponsored terrorist groups, stating that the armed forces will "hit them hard wherever they are," according to a statement issued by the military's media wing on Friday.
General Munir made these remarks during a visit to the Corps Headquarters in Peshawar, where he was briefed on the prevailing security situation, ongoing counter-terrorism operations, border management measures, and the operational preparedness of formations deployed in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said.
"General Munir commended the high morale and professionalism of officers and troops, directing them to maintain vigilance and the highest standards of operational readiness to effectively counter threats," it added. The COAS underscored that the military will continue the campaign against India-sponsored terrorist outfits "to the fullest and hit them hard wherever they are."
"While paying tribute to the sacrifices of the people of Pakistan, including Shuhada and Ghazis of the security forces, the COAS affirmed that with the support of the people, Pakistan will surely inflict total defeat on the terrorists and their perverted ideology," the statement added.
This development comes a day after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chaired a meeting of the Federal Apex Committee at the Governor's House in Peshawar, attended by top civil and military leaders, including General Munir. Addressing the huddle, PM Shehbaz stated that the federal government and military leadership were working together on a fast-track basis to restore lasting peace and promote development in the province.
He also announced a Rs160 billion development package for the region. Referring to the security challenges in KP, PM Shehbaz noted that difficult decisions had to be taken due to the deteriorating law and order situation.
He expressed resolve that the federal government, in cooperation with the military leadership, would soon restore lasting peace and promote prosperity in the terrorism-affected districts. Pakistan has witnessed a sharp rise in cross-border terrorist incidents, particularly in KP and Balochistan, since the Afghan Taliban returned to power in 2021.
Pakistan recorded its highest monthly number of militant attacks in 12 years during September 2026. Islamabad has repeatedly urged Kabul to prevent its territory from being used by militant organisations to carry out attacks inside Pakistan.
Pakistan maintains that the Afghan Taliban regime has failed to take effective action against groups responsible for attacks on Pakistani security forces and civilians. Despite multiple rounds of talks, Islamabad and Kabul have yet to resolve their differences, with the issue of militant groups operating from Afghan soil remaining a major point of contention.