Army top brass warns of ‘decisive action’ against any ‘May 9-like situation’

RAWALPINDI: The military leadership warned on Friday that “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”, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

The warning came during the 277th Corps Commanders Conference, chaired by Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir at General Headquarters in Rawalpindi, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

The comments also came amid heightened political activity, with the government and the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) engaged in talks to defuse tensions over the party’s planned long march on Islamabad on October 4.

The two sides began negotiations on Friday and agreed to resume them on Saturday, while PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan said the party’s demands had been presented to the government.

The army top brass’ 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 on May 9, 2023.

Protesters attacked and set fire to public and military installations in several cities during the violence, including the Lahore Corps Commander’s residence and other military facilities.

The events triggered a nationwide crackdown on PTI leaders and workers and remain a major point of contention between the party and the authorities.

The latest political tensions have centred on PTI’s October 4 march, which was originally scheduled for September 27 but was later postponed. The government has sought to persuade the party to call off the march, while PTI has so far maintained that the protest will go ahead.

The army commanders stressed that Pakistan’s 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 readiness. It affirmed Pakistan’s right to self-defence and targeted action against terrorism emanating from Afghanistan, stressing that the Taliban leadership alone bears responsibility for the consequences of facilitating terrorism on behalf of India.

The forum appreciated sustained successful intelligence-based counter-terrorism operations by law enforcement agencies; however, it emphasised complementing these kinetic efforts with non-kinetic measures, including people-centric governance at the grassroots level, strategic engagement with the public, dismantling the terror-crime nexus operating under the patronage of vested interests, and police capacity building, in line with the National Action Plan and Vision Azm-e-Istehkam.

Saudi Arabia ties reaffirmed

The forum welcomed the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye, noting its contribution to longstanding strategic and collective defence ties.

It strongly condemned Houthi attacks against Saudi Arabia, expressed solidarity with the Kingdom and affirmed Pakistan’s commitment to the security and sanctity of the Haramain Sharifain.

Stance on IIOJK

The forum also reiterated Pakistan’s principled position on Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) and support for resolution of the Kashmir dispute in accordance with relevant UN Security Council resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.

Armed forces told to strengthen capabilities

In his concluding remarks, the CDF commended the formations for their operational preparedness and professionalism.

He directed commanders to continue strengthening intelligence-based operations and enhancing combat capabilities through the adoption of modern technology, training and multi-domain integration, according to ISPR.

He expressed confidence that the Armed Forces, with the unwavering support of the nation, remain fully prepared to safeguard Pakistan’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and national security.