Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and Chief of the Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir on Tuesday asserted that “propaganda, fake news or externally-sponsored terrorism” could not derail Pakistan’s progress.

The field marshal made the remarks while interacting with officers and troops of formations deployed in Balochistan during his visit to Quetta, according to the military’s media affairs wing.

“The field marshal emphasised that Pakistan’s destined rise cannot be obstructed through propaganda, fake news or externally sponsored terrorism,” Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) quoted him as saying.

“He reiterated that hostile forces attempting to derail Pakistan’s progress through proxies and propaganda will ultimately fail due to the resilience of the state and the unity of its people,” the statement added.

Highlighting the contours of the prevailing security environment, the military chief reaffirmed that the armed forces, with the “steadfast support of the people, remain fully committed to the eradication of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations”.

“Underscoring the importance of sustainable peace and stability in Balochistan, the field marshal highlighted that long-term progress depends upon a people-centric approach, inclusive development and improved governance alongside security efforts,” ISPR stated.

CDF Munir appreciated the ongoing efforts of the Balochistan government, noting it was “focused on public welfare, socio-economic uplift and strengthening the bond between the state and the people of the province”.

The army chief also appreciated the high morale, operational readiness and professional commitment of officers and troops in maintaining peace, stability and the writ of the state in Balochistan.

During his visit, CDF Munir also addressed student officers and faculty members at the Command and Staff College in Quetta.

During his address, the field marshal “appreciated high standards of training, intellectual rigour and professionalism that remain the hallmark” of the college.

“He noted with satisfaction that the graduates of the college have continued to distinguish themselves through their exceptional performance and dedication to the profession,” the statement read.

CDF Munir highlighted the “rapidly transforming character of modern warfare and stressed the importance of remaining abreast with emerging technologies, multi-domain operations, tri-services synergy and future battlefield challenges”.

He advised the officers to “continuously train themselves and their troops to effectively respond to the changing character of war while maintaining [the] highest standards of professionalism, preparedness and operational excellence”, the statement added.

Upon his arrival at Quetta, CDF Munir was received by the Quetta Corps commander.

The military chief has emphasised the importance of equipping with modern technologies on several occasions, including earlier this month.

Addressing a ceremony to commemorate Marka-i-Haq, Field Marshal Munir noted that modern and future wars would “comprise multi-domain operations, in which modern technology, including cyber and electronic warfare, drones, long-range vectors, and artificial intelligence would play a crucial role”.

He listed several steps that have been taken to “further harmonise Pakistan’s armed forces with multi-domain operations”.

Days before that, ISPR Director General Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry also highlighted the armed forces’ indigenous military capabilities.

In January this year, while visiting the Bahawalpur Garrison at Khairpur Tamewali (KPT) in Punjab, CDF Munir noted that the armed forces were “undergoing major transformation in multiple domains”.