The Corps Commanders’ Conference stresses internal stability and says attempts to create agitation will be dealt with under the rule of law.
WEB DESK: Pakistan’s military leadership has warned that any attempt to create a situation similar to the May 9, 2023 unrest or cause agitation will be dealt with through “decisive force” and under the rule of law, according to the military’s media wing.
The warning came during the 277th Corps Commanders’ Conference at General Headquarters in Rawalpindi on Friday, chaired by Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir.
Corps Commanders Stress Internal Stability
According to an Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) statement, the conference reviewed the prevailing security environment and underscored the importance of internal stability.
The forum resolved that any attempt to cause agitation or create a “May 9-like situation”, regardless of the stated pretext, would be dealt with “decisive force and rule of law, without hesitation and discrimination”, ISPR said.
The statement did not identify a specific political group or organisation in connection with the warning.
Security Situation Reviewed
The commanders also reviewed Pakistan’s broader security environment and resolved to maintain a high state of readiness, according to ISPR.
The conference appreciated intelligence-based counterterrorism operations by law-enforcement agencies. It also emphasised that military operations should be complemented by measures including stronger grassroots governance, public engagement, dismantling links between terrorism and criminal networks and improving police capacity.
Field Marshal Munir directed commanders to further strengthen intelligence-based operations and improve combat capabilities through modern technology, training and multi-domain integration.
Reference to May 9, 2023
The military’s reference to May 9 relates to the nationwide unrest that followed the arrest of former prime minister Imran Khan in 2023.
The protests included attacks on government and military facilities, including the General Headquarters in Rawalpindi and Jinnah House in Lahore. Reuters has reported that the unrest resulted in deaths, thousands of arrests and subsequent legal proceedings involving civilians.
The military has continued to pursue legal action in cases arising from the violence, while PTI has disputed various allegations and described some cases against its members as politically motivated. These positions remain contested.
Warning Comes Ahead of Planned PTI March
The conference’s warning comes amid heightened political tensions ahead of a PTI march towards Islamabad scheduled for October 4.
PTI had originally planned the march for September 27 but postponed it to October 4. The party has said the demonstration is linked to demands including the release of its jailed founder Imran Khan and what it describes as the restoration of constitutional supremacy.
At the same time, government and PTI negotiating teams began talks in Islamabad on Friday at the National Assembly speaker’s chamber. The discussions are taking place ahead of the planned march.
The political negotiations and the military’s latest warning are separate developments, although both are occurring against the backdrop of heightened tensions over the proposed demonstration.
Afghanistan Security Also Discussed
The commanders also reaffirmed Pakistan’s stated right to self-defence and targeted action against terrorism emanating from Afghanistan.
According to ISPR, the forum held the Taliban leadership responsible for consequences related to what Pakistan describes as terrorism originating from Afghan territory and reiterated the country’s security position on the issue. These are statements of the Pakistani military and government and have not been independently established here.
Makkah Defence Agreement
The conference also welcomed the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye.
The commanders expressed solidarity with Saudi Arabia and condemned Houthi attacks against the Kingdom, while reaffirming Pakistan’s stated commitment to the security and sanctity of the Haramain Sharifain.
The forum also reiterated Pakistan’s position on the Kashmir dispute and support for a settlement based on relevant UN Security Council resolutions and what it described as the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.
