Formation Commanders Conference calls for action against fake news promoters

RAWALPINDI: Formation Commanders Conference, held here on Thursday, emphasized that it is imperative that the government should promulgate and implement stringent laws and regulations to check unfettered and unethical use of freedom of expression to spew venom, lies and sow the seeds of polarization.

According to Inter-Services Public Relations, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir presided over the conference, which voiced strong support for the government’s efforts to combat fake news and misinformation. “Those spreading fake news for vested political and financial interests need to be identified and brought to justice.”

The forum resolved that Army remains committed to serving the nation and public and guard against all external and internal threats without any bias and political affiliation, and any attempt to pitch innocent people against each other and use of violence as an instrument for vested gains can never be tolerated.

The bi-annual conference, attended by corps commanders, principal staff officers, and all formation commanders, discussed critical issues related to national security, internal stability, and regional concerns.

At the outset of the meeting, attendees offered Fateha and paid “solemn tribute to the martyrs of the Armed Forces, law enforcement agencies, and citizens of Pakistan who sacrificed their lives for the nation’s security and sovereignty, including those Law Enforcement Agencies personnel who embraced martyrdom during recent violent protests in Islamabad,” said ISPR.

The discussion also focused on the escalating situation in occupied Kashmir, with the commanders strongly condemning ongoing human rights violations by Indian forces. They reaffirmed Pakistan’s steadfast political, diplomatic, and moral support for the Kashmiri people.

Moreover, the forum condemned the ongoing military aggression in Gaza and endorsed international legal measures to end the violence. This stance echoed Pakistan’s broader policy of opposing foreign military operations that undermine the sovereignty of nations and violate human rights.

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Internal security also dominated discussions at the conference, with a focus on counter-terrorism efforts. The forum received detailed briefings on Pakistan’s operational readiness to tackle both conventional and unconventional threats, particularly in the volatile regions of Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Additionally, special attention was given to operations against terrorists in Balochistan, especially against the Majeed Brigade of Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), with commanders urging a continued focus on neutralizing these threats.

The forum emphasized the importance of dismantling terrorist networks and their facilitators who operate under the influence of enemy forces, particularly across the border in Afghanistan.

Looking beyond the security concerns, the forum also expressed strong support for the government’s development initiatives in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, stressing the importance of improving the welfare of the local population.

Highlighting Army’s commitment to socioeconomic progress, the forum resolved to continue to support government efforts in fostering economic growth, cracking down on illegal spectrum and eradicating terror-crime nexus.

Besides, the “forum noted with concern the malicious propaganda done in the aftermath of the lawful deployment of the Pakistan Army in Islamabad to secure key government buildings and provide safe and secure environment for the valued visiting delegations.

“This pre-planned coordinated and premeditated propaganda reflects continuity of a sinister design by certain political elements as an attempt to drive a wedge between the public & Armed Forces and institutions of Pakistan. This futile attempt, fueled and abetted by external players, will never be successful, InshAllah,” the ISPR said.

Concluding the conference, the COAS emphasized the importance of professionalism, operational readiness, and the Army’s unwavering dedication to ensuring Pakistan’s security and stability, notwithstanding any odds and challenges.