Army commanders warn of decisive action against attempts to create May 9-like situation

The 277th Corps Commanders’ Conference on Friday underscored the importance of internal stability and resolved that any attempt to create agitation or a situation similar to May 9 incidents, “on any pretext whatsoever,” would be dealt with through decisive action and in accordance with the rule of law, the military’s media wing said.

The conference was chaired by Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir at General Headquarters in Rawalpindi, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

The development comes as talks between the government and opposition on prevailing political situation, specially with regards to the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)’s long march towards the federal capital, have been adjourned until Saturday.

PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Khan described the first day of negotiations as positive, saying both sides had presented their respective positions and expressing hope that the dialogue would continue the next day.

The opposition has announced a long march towards Islamabad for October 4, after an earlier date of September 27 was changed. Opposition leaders had said on Thursday that they would not postpone the planned march.

On May 9, 2023, protests erupted across Pakistan following the arrest of PTI founder Imran Khan. PTI workers targeted army property and installations in multiple cities. Key sites attacked included the Corps Commander’s House in Lahore (Jinnah House), the Army’s General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi, and the Mianwali Airbase, leading to vandalism, arson, brutality.

Since then, scores of PTI leaders and workers have faced multiple court cases and a large number of them are still languishing in prisons after the government launched a nation-wide crackdown.

The commanders conference also reaffirmed Pakistan’s right to self-defence and targeted action against terrorism emanating from Afghanistan, while resolving to maintain a high state of operational readiness.

The forum reviewed the prevailing security environment and maintained that the Afghan Taliban leadership would bear responsibility for the consequences of facilitation of terrorism on behalf of India.

The commanders appreciated intelligence-based counterterrorism operations by law enforcement agencies but stressed that such operations should be complemented by non-kinetic measures, including people-centric governance at the grassroots level, greater engagement with the public, dismantling the terror-crime nexus and strengthening police capacity.

These measures, ISPR said, would be pursued in line with the National Action Plan and Vision Azm-e-Istehkam.

The commanders welcomed the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye, saying it would contribute to longstanding strategic and collective defence ties among the three countries.

The forum expressed solidarity with Saudi Arabia over Houthi attacks and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to the security and sanctity of the Haramain Sharifain.

It also 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.

The forum offered Fateha for members of the armed forces, law enforcement agencies and civil society who lost their lives and paid tribute to their sacrifices.

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 modern technology, training and multi-domain integration.

He expressed confidence that the armed forces, with the support of the nation, remained prepared to safeguard Pakistan’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and national security, the ISPR said.