Pakistan’s military leadership On Thursday emphasized the need to bring the planners, perpetrators, abettors, and facilitators of the May 9 riots to justice for the nation's collective benefit.
These views were conveyed during the 83rd Formation Commanders Conference at the military’s GHQ in Rawalpindi, attended by Army Chief General Asim Munir, all corps commanders, principal staff officers, and formation commanders of the Pakistan army.
The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) stated that the forum condemned "politically motivated and vested digital terrorism" against state institutions, particularly the armed forces, aimed at creating discord and inducing despondency among Pakistanis.
"Conspirators, abetted by their foreign collaborators, are spreading blatant lies, fake news, and propaganda. However, the nation is fully aware of their nefarious motives and will undoubtedly defeat these designs," the military’s media wing added.
The forum emphasized the importance of swift justice and the rule of law to ensure stability in the country, stating that without these, the country would remain vulnerable to the machinations of such elements.
Additionally, the corps commanders expressed grave concerns about ongoing cross-border terrorist attacks from Afghanistan, alleging that hostile foreign actors were using Afghan territory to target Pakistani personnel and civilians.
The forum recognized the invaluable sacrifices of citizens in the Newly Merged Districts (NMDs) in the fight against terrorism and highlighted the need for uplifting these areas, according to the media wing’s statement.
“The forum expressed serious concerns over continued cross-border violations from Afghanistan and terrorism being orchestrated using Afghan soil, noting that Pakistan’s adversaries were using Afghanistan to target Security Forces and innocent civilians inside Pakistan,” an army statement read.
The ISPR noted that the conference participants also expressed solidarity with Palestinians amidst the Gaza Strip crisis and supported the oppressed Kashmiris in Indian-held Kashmir.
The commanders reaffirmed their solidarity with the Kashmiri people in their rightful struggle for self-determination as outlined in UNSC Resolutions, the statement said.
The forum also voiced concern over the treatment of minorities, especially Muslims, in India and criticized the increasing fascism for political gains.
The conference members condemned severe human rights violations by Israel and supported the International Court of Justice’s ruling to halt military operations in Rafah and other parts of the Gaza Strip.
COAS Munir briefed the conference on regional geostrategic dynamics, emerging national security challenges, and the army’s strategy to address threats in various domains.
The COAS praised the high standard of training demonstrated during exercises and the outstanding performance of officers and troops in counter-terrorism operations.
“The forum offered Fatiha (prayers) and paid tribute to the supreme sacrifices of Shuhadas (martyrs), including officers and men of the armed forces, law enforcement agencies, and citizens of Pakistan who laid down their lives for the country’s safety, security, and sovereignty,” the military’s media wing stated.
