RAWALPINDI: Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir on Tuesday said Pakistan’s armed forces would crush terrorism emanating from across the borders with the full might of the state, reaffirming the military’s resolve to dismantle terrorist sanctuaries and their facilitators.

Addressing graduating officers of the National Security and War Course at the National Defence University (NDU) in Islamabad, the chief of army staff and chief of defence forces highlighted the changing nature of warfare and stressed the importance of strategic clarity and institutional professionalism in addressing emerging security challenges.

He said premier institutions such as the NDU play a vital role in preparing future military and civil leadership capable of dealing with hybrid, conventional and sub-conventional threats with foresight, confidence and resolve.

Field Marshal Munir said the Pakistan Armed Forces were recalibrating their employment and development strategies in line with the evolving character of warfare.

He said the armed forces remained fully aware of what he described as state-sponsored attempts by hostile intelligence agencies to destabilise Pakistan, adding that proxy groups and networks operating under their patronage would not be allowed to undermine the country’s internal security or economic prosperity.

The army chief reiterated that cross-border terrorism would be defeated with the full strength of the state, adding that the armed forces, with the support of the nation, would eliminate terrorist sanctuaries and their facilitators.

He also stressed that wars were not won through media rhetoric or political slogans but through faith, unity and discipline.

Concluding his address, Field Marshal Munir expressed confidence in the professionalism, morale and operational readiness of Pakistan’s armed forces and urged the graduating officers to uphold the values of integrity, selfless service and unwavering commitment to the nation.

Earlier, upon his arrival at the National Defence University, the field marshal was received by the president of the university.