Senior journalist Sohail Warraich has claimed that Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Field Marshal Asim Munir, has indicated a willingness to forgive former Prime Minister Imran Khan if he offers a sincere apology.
Writing in his column for Daily Jang on Saturday, Warraich revealed that after several attempts, he managed to meet Gen. Munir in Brussels, where the two held a two-hour-long discussion. Warraich said he asked “tough questions” while the army chief responded with “clear and candid answers.”
According to the journalist, the conversation began with political developments, particularly rumors about possible changes in the president and prime minister. Gen. Munir categorically dismissed the speculation, calling such reports “baseless lies.” He suggested that such narratives were being spread by elements opposed to both the government and state institutions to create political chaos.
During the meeting, the army chief stressed that he considered himself a soldier of Pakistan and had no political ambitions beyond his constitutional role. “God has made me the guardian of this country. I have no desire for any other position. My biggest wish is martyrdom,” Warraich quoted him as saying.
Gen. Munir also praised Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, lauding his “18 hours of sincere hard work daily” and commending the resilience shown by the federal government during difficult times.
On political reconciliation, he drew a parallel with Quranic verses about the creation of Adam, saying that reconciliation was possible only through a genuine apology. Warraich wrote that the general’s remarks implied that forgiveness could pave the way for political peace, but refusal to seek it would amount to obstinacy.
Speaking on the economy, Gen. Munir reportedly outlined a roadmap aimed at placing Pakistan among developed nations within five to ten years. He highlighted projects like Reko Diq, predicting an annual profit of $2 billion starting next year, which, he claimed, would help clear Pakistan’s debt and bring prosperity.
On foreign relations, the army chief stressed Pakistan’s policy of maintaining a balance between the United States and China, saying: “We will not sacrifice one friend for another.” He also described former U.S. President Donald Trump’s desire for peace as “genuine,” noting that Pakistan had taken the lead in recommending him for a Nobel Peace Prize.
At the Brussels gathering, Munir also issued warnings to neighboring states. He cautioned India against destabilizing Pakistan through proxies and urged Afghanistan’s government to stop pushing Taliban fighters across the border, warning: “If this continues, every drop of Pakistani blood will be avenged,” the columnist added.
