‘Pakistan won’t be part of any global conflict’: Fake news a big challenge, says COAS

ISLAMABAD: Exposing India’s intolerant Hindutva Ideology, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munior on Friday said even the expatriate Indian origin minorities are not safe in United States, United Kingdom and Canada due to New Delhi’s extremist mindset.

“India’s oppression in occupied Jammu and Kashmir is also a continuation of its Hindutva Ideology and policy”, the COAS while addressing Margalla Dialogue 2024 on “Pakistan’s Role in Peace and Stability”. He shed light on significant contributions in promoting regional harmony and international peace. The Margalla Dialogue 2024 was organised by Islamabad Policy Research Institute.

General Asim Munir maintained Pakistan would continue playing its positive role in regional and global peace.

About disinformation and fake news, he said freedom of expression in absence of rules and regulations is causing decline of moral values in societies.

The COAS further said without comprehensive laws and regulations, misinformation and hate speech will continue destabilising political and social structures.

He said in recent years, world has faced numerous challenges, with rapid spread of misinformation being a significant one. General Asim Munir said increasing influence of non-state actors is another big challenge in the evolving world scenario. He said violent non-state actors and state-sponsored terrorism are major challenges globally.

The Army Chief said there have been immense changes in global economies, militaries and technology. He said technology has played a crucial role in spreading misinformation.

He said inequality, intolerance and division, based on religious, sectarian and racial grounds, are increasing at the international level. He said combating climate change, fighting terrorism and providing global healthcare are major challenges to achieve shared goals.

Expressing Pakistan’s unwavering resolve to fight terrorism, he said a comprehensive border management regime has been implemented to secure country’s western borders. He said Fitna al-Khwarij has become a core for all terrorist organisations and proxies worldwide.

General Asim Munir said Pakistan expects Afghan interim government to ensure Afghan soil will not be used for terrorism and will take strict actions in this regard.

He said the vision Azm-e-Istehkam is a significant part of National Action Plan, aimed at eradicating terrorism and extremism. General Asim Munir said resolution of Kashmir issue, as per United Nations resolutions and aspirations of the Kashmiri people, is imperative.

Commenting on Israeli aggression in Palestine and other countries, Army Chief demanded immediate ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon.

He said Pakistan sent multiple consignments of humanitarian assistance to Gaza and Lebanon, adding Islamabad has always emphasised establishment of an independent Palestinian state.

He said inequality, intolerance and division, based on religious, sectarian and racial grounds, are increasing at the international level. He said combating climate change, fighting terrorism and providing global healthcare are major challenges to achieve shared goals.

Reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment for a peaceful world, General Asim Munir said the country will continue playing its role for global peace and stability without becoming part of any global conflict.

He mentioned 235,000 Pakistanis have contributed to UN peace missions for global stability, while 181 Pakistanis have sacrificed their lives in this regard.

Highlighting Pakistan’s potential, Army Chief said Pakistan is rich in immense natural resources, including huge reserves of rare minerals. He said it is also a major country in terms of agricultural production and freelancing. General Asim Munir said due to immense resources, unique geographical location and its maritime ports, Pakistan holds significant importance in trade with Europe, Central Asia and Middle East.