Army's top brass warns of 'decisive force' against any 'May 9-like situation'
The army’s top brass on Friday warned that any attempt at creating agitation or a “May 9-like situation” would be dealt with “decisive force”, according to the military’s media wing.
The warning came during the 277th Corps Commanders’ Conference in Rawalpindi, which was presided over by Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir.
“[The] forum underscored the importance of internal stability and resolved that any attempt to cause agitation or create [a] May 9-like situation, on any pretext whatsoever, will be dealt with decisive force and rule of law, without hesitation and discrimination,” a statement from Inter-Services Public Relations said.
The warning comes as the PTI is gearing up for a long march to Islamabad, to demand the release of former prime minister and party founder Imran Khan. The protest was originally scheduled for Sept 27 but was postponed to Oct 4.
The party is currently in talks with the government over its long march, with the first round of dialogue taking place earlier in the day.
It is worth mentioning that Imran’s arrest on May 9, 2023, had triggered widespread riots across Pakistan, during which government buildings and military installations — including the GHQ in Rawalpindi — were stormed and vandalised. Following the unrest, a crackdown was launched against the PTI, with dozens of terrorism cases lodged against its leaders and supporters.
Need for ‘targeted action’ against Afghanistan stressed
According to ISPR, the forum also reviewed the security landscape and resolved to maintain a “high state of readiness”. It hailed successful counter-terrorism operations, but stressed the need to blend kinetic and non-kinetic measures.
These included “people-centric governance at [the] grassroot level, strategic engagement with [the] public, dismantling of [the] terror-crime nexus operating under patronage of vested interests and police capacity building, in line with the National Action Plan and Vision Azm-i-Istehkam”.
Affirming Pakistan’s right to self-defence, the forum noted the need for “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”.
Moreover, the conference welcomed the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye and its contribution to longstanding strategic and collective defence ties, the statement read.
“It (the forum) 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,” ISPR added.
The forum also reiterated Pakistan’s position on Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir and expressed support for resolving the Kashmir dispute, in accordance with relevant UN Security Council resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.
In his concluding remarks, CDF Munir commended the formations for their operational preparedness and professionalism, directing the commanders to bolster intelligence-based operations and enhance combat capabilities through the adoption of modern technology, training and multi-domain integration.
“He expressed confidence that the armed forces, with unwavering support of the nation, remain fully prepared to safeguard Pakistan’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and national security,” ISPR said.
The forum also offered prayers for the martyrs of the armed forces, law enforcement agencies and civil society and paid tribute to their sacrifices.
