Islamabad, May 2 (V7N): Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff (COAS), General Syed Asim Munir, on Thursday issued a strong warning to India, stating that any form of military provocation or misadventure would be met with a firm, immediate, and powerful response from Pakistan’s armed forces.

General Munir made these remarks while visiting a large-scale field training exercise conducted by Pakistan Army troops. The exercise, aimed at evaluating operational preparedness and battlefield readiness, was held at an undisclosed location and featured combined arms operations and modern warfare tactics.

According to a press release issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the media wing of the Pakistan Armed Forces, General Munir emphasized the unambiguous nature of Pakistan’s military doctrine in response to threats from its eastern neighbor.

“There should be no misunderstanding or illusion — any military misadventure by India will be responded to immediately, with full force and unwavering resolve,” the Army Chief said.

He further praised the professionalism, dedication, and high morale of the participating troops, expressing confidence in their ability to defend Pakistan’s sovereignty against any external threats. The ISPR noted that the exercise was part of a routine training cycle and focused on the effective integration of ground forces and advanced weapon systems.

This statement comes against the backdrop of a long-standing rivalry between Pakistan and India, both nuclear-armed nations that have fought three full-scale wars — in 1947, 1965, and 1971 — and engaged in numerous skirmishes, most notably in the disputed Jammu and Kashmir region.

Tensions escalated significantly after the Pulwama attack in 2019 and India’s subsequent Balakot airstrike. Pakistan responded with its own aerial operation, leading to a brief but intense standoff. Since then, both sides have maintained a fragile ceasefire agreement along the Line of Control (LoC), though occasional violations and accusations have continued.

General Munir, who assumed command of the Pakistan Army in November 2022, has maintained a strong stance on national security issues and has frequently addressed the importance of regional stability and deterrence.

Background:

  • India-Pakistan Relations: Hostile since partition in 1947, especially over Kashmir.

  • Recent Tensions: Heightened after India revoked Article 370 (Jammu & Kashmir’s special status) in August 2019.

  • Military Readiness: Both countries maintain large standing armies with nuclear capabilities.

Key Highlights:

  • General Asim Munir warns of "swift, firm and forceful" response to Indian aggression.

  • Statement issued during military exercise aimed at testing operational capabilities.

  • ISPR underscores Pakistan’s readiness to defend its borders.

  • Comes amid persistent tensions and unresolved disputes between India and Pakistan.

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