COAS reaffirms Pakistan’s commitment to Kashmir cause on solidarity day

Rawalpindi: Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir visited Muzaffarabad, the capital of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), on Wednesday to pay tribute to the sacrifices of Kashmir’s martyrs, a statement from the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said.

During his visit, the army chief laid a wreath at the Martyrs' Monument and honored those who gave their lives for Kashmir. He praised the courage and commitment of the soldiers and officers deployed in the region, noting their professionalism, high morale, and readiness to face any challenges in the area.

The army chief stressed that the Pakistan Army is fully prepared to defend the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity, ensuring that any aggression will be met with a strong response. He emphasized the importance of maintaining the highest level of operational readiness to deter any hostile actions.

General Munir also expressed full confidence in the combat readiness of the armed forces. During his visit, he met with Kashmiri notables and veterans and reaffirmed Pakistan's strong support for the people of Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). He condemned the ongoing atrocities committed by India and the rise of Hindutva extremism, which he said only strengthens the determination of Kashmiris in their fight for self-determination.

The COAS reiterated that Pakistan will continue to stand by the Kashmiri people in their just struggle against state oppression. He said that Kashmir will one day be free and become a part of Pakistan, according to the wishes of its people. His visit coincided with Kashmir Solidarity Day, a day when Pakistan reaffirms its support for Kashmir’s cause.