The 277th Corps Commanders’ Conference, chaired by Chief of Defense Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir on Friday resolved to deal with decisive force and rule of law any attempt to create a May 9-like situation in the country.
In a statement, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said the forum had underscored the importance of internal stability. It had resolved that any attempt to cause agitation or “create May 9 like situation,” on any pretext whatsoever, would be dealt with decisive force and rule of law, without hesitation and discrimination. “May 9” refers to the riots of May 9, 2023 triggered by the arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan.
The military’s media wing said the CCC had also reviewed the prevailing security environment and resolved to maintain a high state of readiness. It affirmed Pakistan’s right to self-defense and targeted action against terrorism emanating from Afghanistan, stressing that only the Taliban’s “delusional leadership, facilitating terrorism on behalf of India, bears responsibility for its consequences.”
Additionally, the forum appreciated sustained successful intelligence-based counter-terrorism operations by law enforcement agencies. However, it emphasized this should be complemented with non-kinetic measures such as people-centric governance at grassroots level, strategic engagement with public, dismantling of terror-crime nexus operating under patronage of vested interests and police capacity building, in line with the National Action Plan and Vision Azm-e-Istehkam.
The CCC also welcomed the Makkah Joint Defense Agreement between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye, noting its contribution to longstanding strategic and collective defense ties. It strongly resented Houthi attacks against Saudi Arabia, expressed solidarity with the Kingdom and affirmed Pakistan’s commitment to the security and sanctity of the Haramain Sharifain. It also reiterated Pakistan’s principled position on Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, as well as the country’s support for resolution of the Kashmir dispute in accordance with relevant U.N. Security Council resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.
The forum offered Fateha for the Shuhada of the Armed Forces, Law Enforcement Agencies and civil society who laid down their lives for the motherland and paid rich tribute to their supreme sacrifices.
In his concluding remarks, said the ISPR, the Army chief commended the formations for their operational preparedness and professionalism. He directed commanders to continue to strengthen intelligence-based operations and enhance combat capabilities through absorption of modern technology, training and multi-domain integration. He expressed confidence that the armed forces, with unwavering support of the nation, remained fully prepared to safeguard Pakistan’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and national security.