TILLA FIRING RANGES: Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir on Thursday issued a stern warning that any military misadventure by India would be met with an “immediate, resolute, and high-level” response, as he observed a major field combat exercise aimed at evaluating the Pakistan Army’s operational readiness and modern warfare capabilities.
General Munir made the remarks during his visit to the Tilla Field Firing Ranges, where he reviewed Exercise Hammer Strike, a large-scale field drill conducted by the Mangla-based Strike Corps. The exercise is part of the army’s broader efforts to strengthen combat preparedness and to integrate advanced weaponry in a realistic, multi-domain operational environment.
“Pakistan desires regional peace, but our preparedness and commitment to defend national interests are unwavering,” General Munir stated, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the military’s media wing.
Exercise Hammer Strike featured a comprehensive display of military power, including long-range artillery, combat helicopters, air support, and advanced engineering operations. Troops from various branches of the armed forces participated with high levels of coordination and tactical proficiency, showcasing agility and precision on the battlefield.
The army chief commended officers and soldiers for their professionalism, morale, and combat spirit. He said the exercise reflects the Pakistan Army’s continued focus on doctrinal evolution, rigorous training, and the integration of cutting-edge technology.
“Exercise Hammer Strike is a testament to the Pakistan Army’s ongoing transformation through rigorous training, doctrinal innovation, and technological modernization,” the ISPR statement noted.
Senior military leadership, formation commanders, and dignitaries from multiple services observed the exercise, underscoring its strategic significance.
General Munir’s remarks come amid rising tensions with India, following the April 22 attack in Pahalgam, in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), which claimed 26 lives, including several tourists. Indian officials have suggested cross-border links to the attack without presenting concrete evidence — an allegation Pakistan has firmly denied. Islamabad has called for an independent and impartial investigation into the incident.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar have both reaffirmed Pakistan’s position, emphasizing restraint while warning that any provocation would elicit a firm response.
In the wake of the incident, global powers including the United States, United Kingdom, China, Turkey, and Qatar have urged both nuclear-armed neighbors to de-escalate tensions and pursue diplomatic avenues for peace.
