India's extremist ideology also poses danger to minorities in UK, US, Canada: COAS Munir

**ISLAMABAD:** Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir has criticized India for its extremist *Hindutva* ideology, stating that it endangers minorities not only within India but also abroad, including in the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada.  

“India's cruelty and brutality in Occupied Jammu and Kashmir is a continuation of this *Hindutva* ideology,” General Munir said on Friday during the Margalla Dialogue 2024, organized by the Islamabad Policy Research Institute (IPRI).  

The army chief alluded to India's alleged international network of state-sponsored extrajudicial killings. Pakistan, Canada, and the United States have accused Indian agents of involvement in such activities, including the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian citizen and Khalistan activist, and another attempted killing.  

The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), in its 2024 annual report, also documented incidents of killings, beatings, and lynchings by vigilante groups in India. It highlighted the use of hate speech and disinformation by Indian officials to incite violence against religious minorities and destroy their places of worship.  

In January 2024, former Foreign Secretary Syrus Qazi disclosed “credible evidence” linking Indian agents to the murders of two Pakistani citizens on home soil, further exposing India’s “sophisticated and sinister” extrajudicial operations.  

Calling for a resolution to the Kashmir issue, General Munir said, “The solution to Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), as per United Nations resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people, is inevitable.”  

### **Pakistan’s Role in Peace and Stability**  
Highlighting Pakistan’s commitment to global peace, the COAS stated that resilience is a key component of the National Action Plan to combat terrorism and extremism.  

“Pakistan has played a vital role in promoting regional and international peace,” he said, noting that 235,000 Pakistanis have participated in United Nations peacekeeping missions, with 181 sacrificing their lives for global peace.  

Addressing global challenges, General Munir emphasized the spread of misinformation as a destabilizing factor for political and social structures. He stressed the need for comprehensive regulations to counter its impact, warning that unchecked freedom of speech is eroding moral values worldwide.  

He also underlined the importance of addressing shared challenges such as climate change, terrorism, and global health crises.  

“Our commitment to the fight against terrorism is unwavering,” General Munir said, adding that Pakistan has implemented a comprehensive border management regime to secure its western borders.  

Referring to the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), he described it as the “Fitna al-Khawarij,” a hub for terrorist organizations and proxies. He urged Afghanistan’s interim government to prevent its territory from being used for terrorism.  

### **Margalla Dialogue 2024**  
The event was attended by individuals from diverse backgrounds and focused on promoting dialogue and addressing global and regional issues. General Munir reiterated Pakistan’s significant achievements in fostering peace and stability, asserting that terrorism remains a common challenge for humanity.