Pakistan Army Chief Rejects Political Role, Warns of Response to Interference
Pakistan Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir has firmly rejected speculation about any desire to assume political office. Speaking during a stopover in Brussels, he declared that he views himself solely as the country’s “protector,” not a politician, and emphasized that his only aspiration is martyrdom.
Rumors Attributed to Destabilizing Forces
Munir dismissed recent gossip about possible leadership changes—claims that he might replace either the President or Prime Minister—as deliberate attempts to sow instability. He stated that these rumors did not originate from any official institutions, but from elements intent on disrupting Pakistan’s political order.
Warning to India and Afghanistan
The army chief also issued a stern warning, saying that external interference—specifically, any collaboration between India and Afghan factions—would be met with forceful retaliation. He argued that Pakistan’s repeated efforts to support its neighbors had been met with betrayal, and that any intrusion into its sovereignty would not go unanswered.
Optimistic Economic Vision
Separately, Munir outlined an economic strategy focused on developing Pakistan’s mineral wealth, especially the Reko Diq mining project. He projected that Pakistan could begin earning at least US$2 billion annually from this venture starting next year. He also highlighted the country’s potential in rare earth minerals as a foundation for transforming the economy and reducing national debt.
