ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir reiterated on Wednesday that the country’s territorial integrity and the security of its citizens is “paramount” for the armed forces, as Islamabad’s tensions with Kabul surge amid allegations of cross-border “terrorism.” 

Pakistan’s already strained ties with Afghanistan suffered a further blow on Tuesday when Kabul blamed Islamabad for carrying out overnight airstrikes in its territory on Tuesday. Pakistan’s military denied it had attacked Afghanistan as Kabul vowed to retaliate at a time of its choosing. 

Islamabad has admitted to carrying out airstrikes in Afghanistan in the past, blaming Kabul for sheltering militants it alleges launch attacks against Pakistan. Afghanistan denies the allegations and has said Pakistan’s security challenges are its internal matter. 

 “The COAS reiterated that the territorial integrity, security and protection of every Pakistani citizen is paramount for Pakistan Army and will not be compromised under any circumstances,” the military’s media wing, ISPR, said in a statement. 

Munir was speaking to participants of the National Security Workshop–27 (NSW–27), a flagship program of Pakistan’s National Defense University. The NSW-27 brings together parliamentarians, senior civil and military officers and representatives from academia and civil society.

The ISPR said NSW-27 participants were briefed on the government’s ongoing efforts against illegal activities, including the crackdown on smuggling, narcotics trafficking and “organized criminal networks” adversely impacting security. 

The military’s media wing said the army shared updates on enhanced border controls and the repatriation of “illegal foreigners” aimed at maintaining internal order and protecting national interests.

“The COAS highlighted the fluid regional environment shaped by heightened geopolitical competition, cross-border terrorism, and hybrid threats,” the ISPR said. 

Munir concluded the session by reaffirming the army’s commitment to supporting federal and provincial governments in Pakistan, stating that coordinated national efforts and institutional synergy are vital for lasting peace, stability and prosperity.

Islamabad and Kabul have traded barbs amid a fresh surge in militant attacks in Pakistan this month. A suicide blast outside a district court complex in Islamabad this month killed 12 people while three Frontier Constabulary (FC) personnel were also killed in a suicide attack targeting the paramilitary force’s headquarters in Peshawar on Monday. 

Pakistan’s Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said the Islamabad court blast was jointly planned by the Pakistani Taliban or TTP and Kabul. Afghanistan has so far not responded to the allegations.