Washington D.C., June 17, 2025: Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff, Field Marshal General Asim Munir, announced that Islamabad will soon initiate dialogue with India on the issue of terrorism. Addressing a large gathering of Pakistani-Americans in Washington D.C., General Munir hinted at significant geopolitical developments in the near future, while discussing national security, regional dynamics, and the recently concluded Operation Banyan Marsus.
Speaking on the Indian-Pakistani tensions following the Pahalgam incident, General Munir reaffirmed Pakistan’s firm and strategic response to Indian aggression. He rejected India’s narrative, reiterating Pakistan’s unwavering support for the Kashmiri freedom movement.
Sharing key insights into Operation Banyan Marsus, General Munir revealed that the operation was launched in response to mounting threats from India. Despite having the capability to down 20 Indian fighter jets, Pakistan deliberately chose to neutralize only six — those directly involved in firing missiles into Pakistani territory. “This was done to demonstrate ethical warfare and responsible military conduct,” he stated. He added that the multi-dimensional operation spanned five fronts, including air, cyber, and intelligence domains, and was executed with precision and coordination.
On the cyber front, General Munir claimed that Pakistani cyber units successfully disrupted Indian power grids and defense systems. Drones reportedly penetrated deep into Indian airspace, reaching key urban centers such as Delhi and Gujarat, while Pakistani flags appeared on Indian political websites. He acknowledged limited Chinese technological support but emphasized that the operation was conceived and executed independently by Pakistani forces, earning admiration even from Beijing.
Touching on Pakistan-U.S. relations, General Munir invited American investment in Pakistan’s untapped mineral reserves, which are estimated to be worth around one trillion dollars. He also highlighted opportunities in sectors such as artificial intelligence, cryptocurrency mining, and data infrastructure. Expressing a vision for the country’s economic transformation, he stated, “By 2047, Pakistan aims to be among the G10 nations.”
General Munir also lauded Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s swift and decisive backing during the military operation, calling it a testament to effective civilian-military coordination.
Concluding his speech on a patriotic note, General Munir emphasized the importance of national unity. “Pakistan does not need to be a ‘new’ or ‘old’ version of itself — it needs to be authentically Pakistani,” he said. He praised both citizens at home and overseas Pakistanis for their unwavering support of the armed forces, describing their solidarity as “organized and inspiring.” The event ended with resounding applause and pro-army slogans from the audience.
“Pakistan stands ready — strong, united, and respected on the global stage,” he concluded.
