The plight of Kashmiris and Palestinians calls for significant action, Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir said on Monday as the people in two occupied valleys fight for independence.

Israel’s military offensive in the Gaza Strip has killed at least 43,374 Palestinians and wounded 102,261 since October 7, 2023, the Palestinian enclave’s health ministry said in a statement.

The toll includes 33 deaths in the previous 24 hours, the statement added.

Moreover, the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir has seen increase in attacks after the region’s new government.

Since August 5, 2019, India has further escalated its occupation by stripping IIOJK of its special status and implementing measures to alter its demographic and political landscape.

The army chief was addressing the 28th Annual Conference of the International Association of Peacekeeping Training Centers at the Center for International Peace and Stability (CIPS) in Islamabad.

In a statement, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said that the conference is being held in Pakistan for the first time, from November 4 to 8.

The formal inauguration of the event took place with COAS General Asim Munir inaugurating the new building of CIPS.

Under UN Secretary General for Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix, the UN police adviser, the acting deputy military adviser, Pakistan’s foreign secretary, and the NUST rector attended the event.

In his address, COAS General Munir highlighted that global peace was facing “emerging threats and challenges.” He pointed out that despite various efforts by the United Nations and other organisations to establish peace, the plight of Kashmiris and Palestinians serves as a “stark reminder that much remains to be done.”

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Issues faced by the people of Kashmir and Palestine demand “continuous efforts for peace,” he said and shed light on the challenges and dangers to global peace in the contemporary era.

Jean-Pierre Lacroix acknowledged Pakistan’s contributions to UN peacekeeping missions and praised the country for hosting the conference.

Earlier, upon his arrival at the ceremony, Lieutenant General Faiz Shah and inspector general of training and evaluation welcomed the army chief.