Army Pledges Full Support to ECP for February 8 Election

ISPR announces commitment during the 261st Corps Commanders’ Conference

Army Pledges Full Support to ECP for February 8 Election. In a resolute declaration, the Pakistan Army’s top leadership has affirmed its unwavering commitment to providing essential military assistance to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) for the upcoming polls on February 8, 2024. The decision was announced after the two-day-long 261st Corps Commanders’ Conference held at the General Headquarters, with Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir presiding.

The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) highlighted the forum’s determination to extend the necessary support to ensure the success and security of the forthcoming general elections.

Amid concerns raised by political figures regarding potential security threats to the February 8 elections, the military’s assurance takes on added significance. Heightened terrorism and a surge in militancy, particularly after the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) terminated its truce with Islamabad, have created a challenging environment, especially in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Balochistan.

Data from the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies reveals a notable increase in militant attacks, with 623 reported in 2023 compared to 380 in 2022. The year witnessed 29 suicide attacks, an escalation from the 15 recorded in 2022.

Responding to concerns and to ensure a conducive law and order situation, the Election Commission had previously requested the deployment of the army at polling stations in static and quick response force modes. The recent commitment from the military indicates a collaborative effort to secure the electoral process and maintain stability during this critical period.

Gaza and Kashmir

Moving on, the army’s top brass expressed serious concern over continued repression and reprehensible human rights violations by Indian military forces in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).

The recent acts of abduction, torture, and killing of civilians by the Indian army were unequivocally condemned by the participants, the ISPR said.

Such acts, it said, constitute grave crimes against humanity and cannot dampen the spirit of the brave Kashmiris who are struggling for their lawful right of self-determination.

“Pakistan would keep supporting its Kashmiri brethren with all political, moral, and diplomatic support for [the] resolution of Kashmir issue according to international law and relevant UNSC resolutions,” it added.

The forum expressed complete solidarity with the people of Palestine and condemned serious human rights violations and war crimes being perpetrated in Gaza.

The army reiterated the government’s stance of demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and a peaceful resolution of the ongoing war.

Illegal economic activities

The ISPR’s statement mentioned that the CCC also took a holistic review of the ongoing actions being taken against smuggling, money laundering, power theft, and hoarding of essential items among other illegal economic activities.

Pakistan Army will continue to provide all-out support to relevant government institutions and law enforcers to curb such crimes, the statement mentioned.

The forum was briefed on the operational preparedness of the formations.

The COAS stressed the need for continuously maintaining operational excellence in cognitive and physical realms and the pursuit of high standards of motivation and training.

The forum also paid rich tribute to the supreme sacrifices of martyrs — including officers and men of the armed forces, law enforcement agencies, and citizens who laid their lives to ensure peace and stability in the country.

Participants also offered fateha for the martyrs including those of the DI Khan attack.

The CCC reiterated its support for ongoing efforts to promote socioeconomic growth and encourage foreign investment under the umbrella of the Special Investment Facilitation Council.