Asim Munir Spends Eid With Troops in Balochistan, Vows Unrelenting Action Against Militancy
By Tahir Shah :
Pakistan’s Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Asim Munir visited the western frontier in Balochistan on Eidul Azha, where he spent the religious occasion with troops deployed in the sensitive border region and reaffirmed the military’s resolve to continue operations against militant groups.
According to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations, the army chief travelled to Zhob District on Wednesday and met officers and soldiers stationed along Pakistan’s western frontiers amid ongoing security challenges in the province.
The visit began with Eid prayers, during which special prayers were offered for the country’s peace, stability and prosperity, as well as for security personnel who lost their lives in militant attacks and military operations.
The military said Field Marshal Asim Munir exchanged Eid greetings with troops and praised what he described as their operational readiness, determination and vigilance in the face of rising militant violence and cross-border security threats.
During his interaction with soldiers, the army chief paid tribute to security personnel serving in difficult terrain and high-risk operational environments, saying the armed forces remained committed to defending the country against terrorism and hostile elements.
Referring to the recent deadly attack in Quetta, Asim Munir strongly condemned militant violence and said such attacks would not weaken the resolve of either the armed forces or the Pakistani public.
The military statement said he accused what it termed “Indian-sponsored Fitna al-Hindustan and its proxies” of involvement in the recent violence, reiterating Islamabad’s longstanding position that hostile foreign elements are supporting instability in Balochistan. India has repeatedly rejected similar accusations in the past.
“Such inhuman and brutal acts cannot weaken the resolve of Pakistan Armed Forces or the nation,” the army chief was quoted as saying, adding that the morale of troops and citizens remained firm despite continued security threats.
He further stated that Pakistan’s armed forces, working alongside law enforcement agencies and local communities in Balochistan, would continue pursuing militants, facilitators and supporters involved in attacks across the province.
Upon his arrival in Zhob, the army chief was received by the Commander Quetta Corps. He also visited Yadgar-e-Shuhada, where he laid a floral wreath in honour of soldiers and civilians who lost their lives in defence of the country.
The visit comes only days after one of the deadliest attacks in Quetta in recent months. A powerful blast targeted a passenger shuttle train near Chaman Phatak shortly after it departed from Quetta Cantonment Railway Station.
According to officials, at least 14 people were killed in the explosion, including three personnel of the Frontier Corps, while around 20 others sustained injuries. Security officials described the attack as part of a broader pattern of rising militant activity in Balochistan.
The province has witnessed increasing violence in recent years, including attacks on security forces, railway infrastructure and civilians. Pakistani authorities have blamed separatist militants and extremist groups for the unrest, while also alleging external support for armed networks operating in the region.
Security operations have intensified across parts of Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as authorities attempt to contain militant violence and protect key transport routes and strategic infrastructure projects linked to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.
Military officials say maintaining stability in border regions remains a priority for Pakistan’s security establishment amid concerns over cross-border militancy, regional instability and threats to economic development projects.
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