Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir vowed to completely eliminate the facilitators of terrorism and eradicate all forms of terrorism in Pakistan [1].
This commitment comes as the military seeks to prevent internal and external terror threats from undermining national security. The focus on "facilitators" signals a shift toward targeting the support networks that enable militant operations within the country [2].
Speaking May 19, 2026, the Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces addressed the security situation during a press briefing [3]. He said that the armed forces remain committed to the total eradication of terrorism [1]. The military leader said that national unity is essential to counter these threats [4].
The resolve of the military follows a violent attack in Quetta, where a shuttle-train explosion killed 24 people [5]. Munir said that brutal and inhuman acts cannot weaken the resolve of Pakistan against terrorists [6]. He said that the military will eliminate those who facilitate such acts [6].
Munir also addressed the role of information warfare in the current security climate. He said that propaganda, fake news, and externally backed terrorism will not be able to hinder the fight [7]. The military intends to target the facilitators of such terror to disrupt their operational capacity [7].
This stance was previously reiterated May 5, 2026, during the 275th Corps Commanders Conference [4]. The military leadership continues to link regional stability to the ability to neutralize both the perpetrators and the logistical supporters of militant groups [2].
Reports differ on the exact location of the May 19 statements, with some sources placing the briefing in Quetta and others at the Chaklala Garrison in Rawalpindi [3, 1]. Regardless of the venue, the directive remains a priority for the defense forces as they navigate a complex security landscape.
“We are determined to eradicate all forms of terrorism and its facilitators.”
The emphasis on 'facilitators' suggests that the Pakistani military is expanding its target set beyond active combatants to include the logistical, financial, and political networks that sustain militant groups. By framing the struggle as a fight against both physical terrorism and 'fake news,' the military is positioning its counter-terrorism strategy as a hybrid war involving both kinetic operations and information control.
