LAHORE MIRROR — The Corps Commanders Conference, chaired by Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces, has stressed that internal stability is of paramount importance to Pakistan, warning that any attempt to create violent unrest or situations resembling the May 9 events would be dealt with decisively and without discrimination under the law.
The 277th Corps Commanders Conference was held at General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR). The meeting reviewed the country’s security situation, operational preparedness and regional developments in detail.
The participants offered Fateha for the armed forces personnel, law-enforcement officials and civilians who had sacrificed their lives in defence of the country, and paid rich tribute to the “unparalleled sacrifices” of the martyrs.
The forum maintained that targeted operations against terrorism emanating from Afghanistan were Pakistan’s legitimate right to self-defence. It held what it described as the “confused leadership” of the Afghan Taliban responsible for the serious consequences of terrorism being carried out as an instrument of India.
The commanders appreciated the continued intelligence-based counterterrorism operations conducted by law-enforcement agencies. They stressed that eliminating terrorism required not only effective ground operations but also improved administration and governance.
The forum underscored the need to bring governance closer to the people at the grassroots level as part of efforts to address the underlying factors contributing to terrorism.
It also called for effective engagement with the public on the causes and issues surrounding terrorism and for developing an effective counter-narrative. The participants said dismantling the “crime-terror nexus” operating under the patronage of certain elements was essential to combating terrorism, adding that the capacity of the police would also need to be enhanced.
The commanders agreed that internal stability was critically important for Pakistan and said that any attempt, under any pretext, to create violent disorder or circumstances similar to those witnessed on May 9 would be met with decisive force and the full application of the law, without discrimination or hesitation.
The forum welcomed the trilateral Makkah Joint Defence Agreement between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye, describing it as an important development for further strengthening longstanding strategic ties and defence cooperation among the three countries.
The participants also strongly condemned Houthi attacks against Saudi Arabia and expressed their deep concern over the attacks. They reaffirmed Pakistan’s full solidarity with Saudi Arabia and reiterated the country’s commitment to protecting the sanctity and security of the holy sites.
The conference further reiterated that the Kashmir dispute should be resolved in accordance with relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.
In his concluding address, Field Marshal Asim Munir directed the continued strengthening of intelligence-based operations. He instructed all formations to further enhance their defence capabilities through the acquisition of modern technology, improved training and greater integration across all domains of warfare.
Field Marshal Munir reaffirmed that, with the unwavering support of the nation, Pakistan’s armed forces remain fully prepared to safeguard the country’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and national security.
