Pakistan would become part of any global conflict, however, the country would play its role in promoting peace and stability worldwide, Chief of Army Staff Syed Asim Munir said on Friday as the world deals with conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine.

“Over 235,000 Pakistanis have contributed to United Nations peacekeeping missions,” he said while addressing the Margalla Dialogue organised by the Islamabad Policy Research Institute in the federal capital.

The event brought together defence experts, journalists, and lawmakers from across the world. They discussed emerging global realities, challenges and responses.

The nuclear-armed country has been “neutral” on the Ukraine issue and called for dialogue to resolve the issue. Moreover, Pakistan has slammed Israel’s atrocities in Palestine and called for Israel’s accountability for “war crimes” in Gaza.

While speaking on ‘Pakistan’s role in peace and stability’, he highlighted that over 235,000 Pakistanis have contributed to United Nations peacekeeping missions and paid tribute to the 181 Pakistani peacekeepers who were martyred in the pursuit of international peace.

Misinformation challenges

The army chief emphasised the challenges the world has faced in recent years, particularly the rapid spread of misinformation and misleading narratives as a “major concern.”

COAS Munir said: “The growing influence of non-state actors is also a significant challenge in the face of numerous global changes.” He pointed out the transformations occurring in global economies, armed forces, and technology.

He identified violent non-state actors and state-sponsored terrorism as “major threats” on an international scale. COAS Munir stressed that while technology has played a “crucial role” in the dissemination of information, it has also facilitated the spread of misleading and false narratives.

He warned that without comprehensive laws and regulations, the proliferation of false information and hate speech would continue to destabilise political and social structures.

‘Lack of regulation’ around freedom of expression

The army chief was of the view that the “lack of regulations” around freedom of expression was contributing to the “decline of ethical values” in societies worldwide.

He noted a growing trend of inequality, intolerance, and division based on religious, sectarian, and ethnic lines on a global scale.

COAS Munir emphasised that addressing critical challenges such as climate change, combating terrorism, and ensuring global health are essential shared goals. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to playing a role in promoting peace and stability both regionally and globally.

Terrorism—a ‘common challenge for humanity’

According to the army chief, terrorism represents a common challenge for all of humanity. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to the fight against terrorism.

He announced the establishment of a comprehensive border management regime aimed at securing Pakistan’s western borders. He expressed concerns about the emergence of Fitnal-Khawarij, a new name for banned Tehreek-e-Taliban, which has become a “haven for various terrorist organisations and proxies worldwide.”

COAS Munir also conveyed Pakistan’s expectations from the Afghan interim government, urging them to ensure that Afghan territory was not used for terrorist activities and to take measures against such threats.

Commitment to stability ‘crucial component of NAP’

COAS Munir highlighted that the “commitment to stability” was a “crucial component” of the National Action Plan aimed at eradicating terrorism and extremism.

He expressed concerns over the rise of extremist ideologies in India, noting that minorities abroad, particularly in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada, were “at risk” due to such an ideology. The army chief condemned the oppression in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Jammu and Kashmir, linking it to the continuation of Hindutva policies.

He stressed the need for a resolution of the Kashmir issue in accordance with United Nations resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people. The army chief reiterated Pakistan’s longstanding call for a ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon.

He noted that Pakistan has repeatedly provided humanitarian aid to Gaza and Lebanon and mentioned the country’s advocacy for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state.

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Pakistan—an ‘important country’ in the freelance market

He discussed Pakistan’s vast potential, noting that the country has a population of 240 million, with approximately 63% under the age of 30.

COAS Munir emphasised that “Pakistan is rich in natural resources and has emerged as a significant player in global agricultural production.”

Pakistan possessed substantial reserves of rare minerals and has become an “important hub” for freelancing on the world stage, he said and highlighted the country’s geographical location and its strategic seaports, making it important for trade between Europe, Central Asia, and the Middle East.

The army chief reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to playing a positive role in regional and global peace.