Corps Commanders Conference Issues Stern Warning a...

Summary

• The army will protect the nation.
• The army will serve the nation.
• The army will make the nation proud.

AI Generated Summary

The recent Corps Commanders Conference, chaired by Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, emphasized that peace is a national red line and that any attempt to disturb it through violence or instability would face a firm response. The conference honored the sacrifices of armed forces personnel, law-enforcement officials, and civilians who lost their lives in the fight against terrorism, while prayers were offered for all those who sacrificed their lives for the country. Field Marshal Munir said that, with national support, the armed forces are fully prepared to defend Pakistan’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national security, highlighting the importance of public backing and the armed forces’ record of defending the country, fighting terrorism, responding to disasters, and supporting stability. He directed continued strengthening of intelligence-based operations against terrorists, their hideouts and networks, while emphasizing that modern technology, training, equipment, and the integration of land, sea, air, cyber, and information capabilities are necessary to meet changing security challenges and strengthen defence preparedness.

The conference also warned that any attempt to create violent disturbances similar to May 9 would be dealt with according to law, without discrimination among political parties, individuals, or groups. The May 9 violence involved attacks on military installations and other state-related sites, which the conference regarded as an unacceptable threat to national institutions and stability. Regarding terrorism originating from Afghanistan, the participants held the Taliban leadership responsible for preventing Afghan territory from being used for attacks against Pakistan and maintained that Pakistan has the right to conduct targeted operations in self-defence. They also recognized the role of intelligence-based counterterrorism operations in disrupting terrorist plots and networks but stressed that military action must be accompanied by effective administration, governance, development, public trust, and efforts to address the causes and narrative surrounding terrorism. The conference further emphasized cooperation with the public and dismantling the connection between terrorism and organized crime, including networks involved in financing, weapons, and movement, as necessary elements of a comprehensive counterterrorism strategy.

The participants said that targeted operations against terrorism from Afghanistan are Pakistan’s defense right. This is a fundamental principle of international law. Every country has the right to defend itself. Every country has the right to protect its citizens. If terrorists are operating from another country, the affected country has the right to take action. This is not aggression. This is self-defense. Pakistan will exercise this right. It will do what it needs to do to protect its people. The participants also emphasized the need for effective coordination and work on the narrative on the causes of terrorism with the people. This is crucial. The people must be educated. They must be informed. They must understand the threat that terrorism poses. They must understand the ideology that drives it. They must be empowered to resist it. This is a battle for hearts and minds. It is a battle that must be won. The participants also said that it is necessary to break the terror crime nexus of specific elements to eliminate terrorism. This is a reference to the link between terrorism and organized crime. This link is well-documented. Terrorists use criminal networks to raise funds. They use them to smuggle weapons. They use them to move around. Breaking this nexus is essential. It will cut off the lifeblood of terrorism. It will make it much harder for terrorists to operate. This is a sophisticated understanding of the problem. It shows that the military leadership is thinking deeply about how to address it.