Army top brass vows ‘decisive force’ against any ‘May 9-like’ unrest
The Pakistan Army’s top brass has warned that any attempt to create agitation or a situation similar to the May 9, 2023 unrest will be met with “decisive force” and the rule of law.
The warning came during the 277th Corps Commanders’ Conference held at General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi on Friday. The meeting was presided over by Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir.
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the forum underscored the importance of internal stability. It resolved that any attempt to cause agitation or create a May 9-like situation, “on any pretext whatsoever”, would be dealt with without hesitation or discrimination.
The commanders also offered Fateha for members of the armed forces, law enforcement agencies and civilians who lost their lives in defence of the country and paid tribute to their sacrifices.
The forum reviewed the prevailing security environment and resolved to maintain a high state of operational readiness. It reaffirmed Pakistan’s right to self-defence and targeted action against terrorism emanating from Afghanistan.
The military leadership said the Taliban leadership in Afghanistan would bear responsibility for the consequences of facilitating terrorism, according to the ISPR statement.
The forum also appreciated sustained intelligence-based counterterrorism operations by law enforcement agencies. It stressed that kinetic operations must be complemented by non-kinetic measures, including people-centric governance at the grassroots level, strategic engagement with the public, dismantling terror-crime nexuses operating under the patronage of vested interests and strengthening police capacity.
The measures, it said, should remain aligned with the National Action Plan and Vision Azm-e-Istehkam.
Welcomes Pakistan-Saudi-Turkiye defence pact
The corps commanders welcomed the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye, describing it as contributing to longstanding strategic and collective defence ties.
The forum strongly condemned Houthi attacks against Saudi Arabia and expressed solidarity with the Kingdom. It also reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to the security and sanctity of the Haramain Sharifain.
The commanders reiterated Pakistan’s position on Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) and support for resolving the Kashmir dispute in accordance with relevant UN Security Council resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.
In his concluding remarks, Field Marshal Munir commended the formations for their operational preparedness and professionalism.
He directed commanders to strengthen intelligence-based operations and enhance combat capabilities through the adoption of modern technology, improved training and multi-domain integration.
The army chief expressed confidence that the armed forces, with the support of the nation, remained prepared to safeguard Pakistan’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and national security.