'Violence Due To Incidents In Other Countries...': Asim Munir Warns Pakistanis Amid Iran Conflict

Last Updated:March 19, 2026, 14:04 IST

Pakistan Army chief and Field Marshal Asim Munir said unrest triggered by external events would not be allowed to destabilise the country.

Asim Munir on Thursday warned that violence in Pakistan over developments in other countries would not be tolerated, weeks after deadly protests erupted across the country following US-Israeli strikes on Iran.

Addressing a gathering of ulema in Rawalpindi, the Pakistan Army chief and Field Marshal said unrest triggered by external events would not be allowed to destabilise the country.

“Violence in Pakistan, on the basis of incidents occurring in another country, will not be tolerated," the military’s media wing, the Inter-Services Public Relations, said while quoting Munir.

According to a report in Dawn, Munir also briefed religious leaders on Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts aimed at regional de-escalation amid the ongoing US-Israeli conflict with Iran.

He stressed the responsibility of ulema in fostering unity and restraint, and in countering misinformation, sectarian narratives and what he described as externally backed attempts to destabilise the country.

Munir’s remarks come against the backdrop of widespread pro-Iran protests that swept parts of Pakistan after joint US-Israeli strikes killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

At least 22 people were killed during demonstrations in Karachi, where protesters marched towards the US consulate, while unrest in the Gilgit-Baltistan region saw crowds attack UN offices, leaving at least 12 people dead.

The crisis has placed Pakistan in a delicate position, as it seeks to manage domestic anger while navigating recently improved ties with the United States under President Donald Trump.

Islamabad is also wary of being drawn into the widening conflict due to its strategic defence pact with Saudi Arabia, signed last year, which commits both countries to mutual defence in the event of aggression.

While signalling readiness to support Saudi Arabia if required, Pakistan has simultaneously stepped up diplomatic outreach to prevent further escalation in West Asia.

News world 'Violence Due To Incidents In Other Countries...': Asim Munir Warns Pakistanis Amid Iran Conflict

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