The military leadership has warned that any attempt to create unrest or a situation similar to the May 9, 2023 incidents will be met with decisive action under the law. The warning was issued during the 277th Corps Commanders’ Conference in Rawalpindi, chaired by Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir.
The forum stressed the importance of maintaining internal stability and resolved that any attempt to provoke agitation or create a May 9-like situation, regardless of the pretext, would be dealt with through decisive action and in accordance with the rule of law.
The development comes as the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) prepares for a long march towards Islamabad, demanding the release of party founder and former prime minister Imran Khan. The protest, initially planned for September 27, has been rescheduled for October 4.
The PTI is also engaged in talks with the government regarding the planned march, with the first round of discussions held earlier.
The military leadership also reviewed the country’s overall security situation and reaffirmed the need for a high level of operational readiness. The conference acknowledged recent counterterrorism operations and stressed the importance of combining security measures with non-kinetic efforts.
These measures include strengthening people-focused governance at the grassroots level, improving engagement with the public, dismantling links between terrorism and organised crime, and enhancing police capabilities under the National Action Plan and Vision Azm-i-Istehkam.
The forum reaffirmed Pakistan’s right to self-defence and stressed the need for targeted measures against terrorism originating from Afghanistan.
The military leadership maintained that Afghanistan-based militant activity posed a security challenge and said responsibility for the consequences of facilitating terrorism rested with those enabling such activities.
Since September 21, Pakistan has carried out three strikes inside Afghanistan following terrorist incidents in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, according to official statements.
The conference also reviewed Pakistan’s counterterrorism strategy and called for continued intelligence-based operations to address security threats.
The military leadership welcomed the Makkah Defence Alliance between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye, describing it as an important development in strengthening longstanding strategic and collective defence cooperation.
The forum condemned Houthi attacks targeting Saudi Arabia and expressed solidarity with the Kingdom, reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to the security and sanctity of Haramain Sharifain.
The defence pact, signed on August 7, seeks to strengthen collective deterrence and provides for an attack against one signatory to be treated as an attack against all.
The conference also reiterated Pakistan’s position on Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir and expressed support for a resolution of the Kashmir dispute in line with relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.
In his concluding remarks, Field Marshal Asim Munir praised the armed forces for their operational preparedness and professionalism.
He directed commanders to strengthen intelligence-based operations and enhance combat capabilities through modern technology, improved training and greater integration across multiple operational domains.
The military leadership reaffirmed its readiness to safeguard Pakistan’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and national security.
The conference also offered prayers for members of the armed forces, law enforcement agencies and civilians who lost their lives in the line of duty and paid tribute to their sacrifices.
