RAWALPINDI, Thursday, February 5, 2026 (WNP): Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), HJ, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and Chief of Defence Force (CDF) of Pakistan, on Thursday visited Muzaffarabad, where he paid homage to the martyrs of the Kashmir freedom movement and reiterated Pakistan’s steadfast political, moral, and diplomatic support for the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).

During the visit, the Army Chief laid a wreath at the Jammu and Kashmir Martyrs Monument and offered rich tributes to the Shuhada of the Kashmir movement. He acknowledged their enduring legacy of valour, resilience, and selfless sacrifice, describing their struggle as a symbol of unwavering commitment to the right of self-determination.

Interacting with local notables and veterans, Field Marshal Asim Munir strongly condemned continued Indian atrocities, persistent human rights violations, and Hindutva-driven excesses in IIOJK. He said such measures have failed to suppress the legitimate aspirations of the Kashmiri people, whose struggle, he emphasized, remains rooted in justice and international legitimacy.

Reaffirming Pakistan’s principled stance, the COAS and CDF stated that Kashmir would ultimately witness the dawn of freedom in accordance with the will and destiny of its people.

He underscored that Pakistan would continue to highlight the Kashmir issue at all relevant international forums until a just and lasting resolution is achieved in line with United Nations Security Council resolutions.

The Army Chief also lauded the unwavering dedication, high morale, professional excellence, and combat readiness of officers and soldiers deployed in the Kashmir region under challenging operational conditions. Stressing the evolving security environment, he emphasized the need for maintaining peak operational preparedness, vigilance, and seamless inter-domain synergy to deter and effectively respond to any hostile provocation.

As part of the visit, Field Marshal Asim Munir visited a forward post along the Line of Control, where he interacted with frontline troops. He reiterated that any act of aggression would be met with a swift and befitting response, adding that the Armed Forces of Pakistan remain fully prepared to counter both conventional and hybrid threats.

Earlier, upon his arrival in Muzaffarabad, the COAS and CDF was received by the Commander Rawalpindi Corps.