Wed Mar 19 02:48:41 UTC 2025: **Pakistan Army Chief Calls for “Hard State” Strategy Amidst Rising Militancy**

ISLAMABAD, PAKISTAN – Pakistan’s Army chief, General Asim Munir, has urged the nation to transform into a “hard state” to effectively combat the escalating threat of militancy. His remarks, made during a high-level national security meeting on March 18th, follow a recent attack where Baloch militants hijacked a passenger train, resulting in 25 deaths.

The meeting, chaired by National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq at the behest of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, brought together top civil and military leaders. General Munir stressed that the fight against militancy is a battle for Pakistan’s survival, highlighting the unsustainable cost of a “soft state” approach. He emphasized the need for improved governance and the unified action of all national power elements for sustainable development.

The meeting concluded with a unanimous declaration condemning the recent terrorist acts, expressing solidarity with victims’ families, and reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to eliminating terrorism. The declaration also lauded security forces and called for the immediate implementation of the National Action Plan and Operation Azm-i-Istehkam to dismantle terrorist networks. Concerns were also raised about the use of social media for terrorist propaganda and recruitment.

The opposition Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), however, boycotted the meeting, demanding a prior meeting with their imprisoned leader Imran Khan. This absence drew criticism from Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, who accused the PTI of prioritizing party politics over national security. The PTI’s absence was echoed by the Tehreek Tahaffuz-i-Ayeen Pakistan (TTAP) alliance.

The recent train hijacking, along with other attacks in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces, highlights a volatile security situation fueled by groups like the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) and Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). General Munir’s call for a “hard state” represents a significant shift in approach, underscoring the gravity of the security challenges facing Pakistan.

Read More