Pakistan corps commanders condemn Iran’s attacks on Saudi Arabia

RAWALPINDI: Pakistan’s top military commanders on Tuesday condemned recent attacks on Saudi Arabia’s petrochemical and industrial facilities, calling them an “unnecessary escalation” that undermines efforts for a peaceful resolution in the region, the military said.

According to a statement issued by the military’s media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations, the corps commanders’ conference expressed serious concern over strikes attributed to Iran against Saudi Arabia.

The forum said such attacks were harming sincere efforts to resolve the conflict through peaceful means and risked destabilising the region.

It noted that Saudi Arabia had shown restraint despite what it described as serious provocations, helping create space for diplomacy and mediation, and said continued aggression could derail ongoing peace efforts.

The commanders reiterated Pakistan’s support for dialogue, de-escalation and principled diplomacy, adding that the country would continue to play a “responsible role” in promoting regional stability.

The meeting, chaired by Chief of Army Staff Asim Munir, also reviewed internal security and counter-terrorism operations, reaffirming the military’s resolve to eliminate militant groups operating with support from hostile elements.

“All terrorist proxy elements, including their facilitators and abettors backed by India and other external actors, will be pursued relentlessly and without discrimination,” the forum said.

The commanders said the pace of Operation Ghazab lil-Haq would be maintained until militant safe havens were eliminated and the use of Afghan territory against Pakistan was decisively stopped.

The forum paid tribute to members of the armed forces, law enforcement agencies and civilians who had lost their lives in the line of duty, calling their sacrifices the foundation of Pakistan’s security.

It also rejected what it described as “misleading narratives, baseless allegations and false-flag claims” attributed to India, saying such tactics had been exposed internationally.

The commanders expressed concern over human rights violations and extrajudicial killings in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, including what they termed staged encounters.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the army chief directed commanders to maintain high standards of operational readiness, discipline and professional competence, while expressing confidence in the armed forces’ ability to counter all threats and safeguard Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.