COAS General Asim Munir emphasized the importance of professionalism and operational readiness.
Army urges strict laws against abuse of free speech. The 84th Formation Commanders Conference, presided over by Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), concluded at the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi. The two-day event saw the participation of Corps Commanders, Principal Staff Officers, and all Formation Commanders of the Pakistan Army.
The conference opened with a solemn tribute to the martyrs of the Armed Forces, Law Enforcement Agencies, and citizens of Pakistan who laid down their lives for the nation’s security and sovereignty. Special recognition was given to those who embraced martyrdom during recent violent protests in Islamabad.
The forum strongly condemned the ongoing human rights violations in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, reaffirming Pakistan’s unwavering political, diplomatic, and moral support for the Kashmiri people. The participants also expressed solidarity with the Palestinian people, condemning the atrocities in Gaza and calling for international legal actions to end military aggression.
Discussions centered around the current security environment, both external and internal, and a comprehensive review of the Army’s operational readiness. The forum also addressed evolving traditional and non-traditional security threats, with a focus on ongoing counterterrorism operations. The Army vowed to continue neutralizing terrorists and their facilitators, especially those operating in Balochistan, such as the BLA Majeed Brigade.
A key topic of concern was the malicious propaganda following the lawful deployment of the Army in Islamabad to secure government buildings and ensure the safety of visiting delegations. The forum condemned these efforts, which it described as a coordinated attempt by certain political elements, fueled by external forces, to create division between the public, the Armed Forces, and Pakistan’s institutions.
The forum emphasized the need for stringent laws to regulate the unethical use of freedom of expression, particularly the spread of fake news for political or financial gains. The Army reaffirmed its commitment to serving the nation impartially and resolutely, rejecting any attempts to incite violence or polarize society.
Concerns were also raised over the use of Afghan soil by terrorists, particularly groups like Fitna Al Khwarij, operating against Pakistan. The forum urged Afghanistan to take visible steps to prevent its territory from being used by terrorists and called for stronger, mutually beneficial engagement between the neighboring countries.
The forum also reiterated its support for the socio-economic development efforts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, where the resilient people continue to fight against terrorism. The Army pledged to back government initiatives aimed at fostering economic growth, cracking down on illegal activities, and eradicating the terror-crime nexus.
In his closing remarks, COAS General Asim Munir emphasized the importance of professionalism and operational readiness. He reaffirmed the Army’s dedication to safeguarding Pakistan’s security and stability, no matter the challenges faced.