RAWALPINDI: The military leadership on Friday warned that any attempt to create a situation similar to the May 9, 2023, unrest would be dealt with decisively under the law, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
“Any attempt to cause agitation or create May 9-like situation, on any pretext whatsoever, will be dealt with decisive force and rule of law, without hesitation and discrimination,” the military’s media wing said in a statement following the 277th Corps Commanders Conference.
The conference was chaired by Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir at General Headquarters in Rawalpindi.
The warning came amid heightened political activity as the government and the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) engage in negotiations to ease tensions over the party’s planned October 4 march on Islamabad.
The two sides began talks on Friday and agreed to resume negotiations on Saturday. PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan said the party had presented its demands to the government.
The military’s reference to May 9 relates to the nationwide unrest that followed the arrest of former prime minister and PTI founder Imran Khan from the Islamabad High Court premises in 2023. During the violence, protesters attacked public and military installations in several cities, including the Lahore Corps Commander’s residence.
The incidents led to a nationwide crackdown on PTI leaders and workers and remain a major point of contention between the party and the authorities.
The army commanders stressed that internal stability was of “utmost importance”.
Afghanistan-based terrorism
According to ISPR, the forum reviewed the prevailing security environment and resolved to maintain a high state of operational readiness.
The conference reaffirmed Pakistan’s right to self-defence and targeted action against terrorism originating from Afghanistan. It also held the Afghan Taliban leadership responsible for the consequences of facilitating terrorism, which the military described as being carried out on behalf of India.
The forum appreciated what ISPR described as sustained successful intelligence-based counterterrorism operations by law enforcement agencies.
However, it stressed that these operations must be complemented by non-kinetic measures, including people-centric governance at the grassroots level, strategic engagement with the public, dismantling the nexus between terrorism and crime, and strengthening police capabilities.
The statement said these measures should remain aligned with the National Action Plan and the government’s Azm-e-Istehkam initiative.
Pakistan reaffirms support for Saudi Arabia
The forum welcomed the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye, describing it as a development that would contribute to longstanding strategic relations and collective defence cooperation.
It strongly condemned Houthi attacks against Saudi Arabia and expressed solidarity with the Kingdom.
The military leadership also reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to the security and sanctity of Haramain Sharifain.
Kashmir dispute
The conference reiterated Pakistan’s position on Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), calling for a resolution of the dispute in accordance with relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.
Focus on combat readiness and modern technology
In his concluding remarks, Field Marshal Asim Munir commended military formations for their operational preparedness and professionalism.
He directed commanders to continue strengthening intelligence-based operations and enhancing combat capabilities through modern technology, training and multi-domain integration, according to ISPR.
The CDF expressed confidence that the armed forces, with the support of the nation, remained prepared to safeguard Pakistan’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and national security.