Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces (COAS & CDF) of Pakistan, chaired the 277th Corps Commanders’ Conference at General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi, where military leaders reviewed the prevailing security environment, counter-terrorism efforts and operational preparedness.
The forum began by offering Fateha for the Shuhada of the Armed Forces, law enforcement agencies and civil society who lost their lives in service to the country. Participants paid tribute to their sacrifices and remembered those who laid down their lives for Pakistan.
The conference reaffirmed the importance of maintaining a high state of readiness amid the evolving security situation. It also underscored Pakistan’s stated right to self-defence and targeted action against terrorism emanating from Afghanistan.
Security review
The forum held the Taliban leadership responsible for the consequences of facilitating terrorism, alleging that it was doing so on behalf of India. The remarks came as the military leadership reviewed security challenges and reiterated its resolve to counter threats to Pakistan’s national security.
Participants appreciated the sustained intelligence-based counter-terrorism operations conducted by law enforcement agencies. However, the forum stressed that operational measures must be complemented by non-kinetic efforts to address the factors contributing to militancy and insecurity.
These measures include people-centred governance at the grassroots level, strategic engagement with the public, dismantling the terror-crime nexus allegedly operating under the patronage of vested interests, and strengthening police capabilities.
The forum emphasised that these efforts should remain aligned with the National Action Plan and Vision Azm-e-Istehkam, which were referenced as frameworks for addressing the country’s security challenges.
Internal stability
The commanders underscored the importance of internal stability and reiterated their position against attempts to trigger unrest. The forum stated that any attempt to create a situation similar to the events of May 9, regardless of the pretext, would be met with decisive force and action under the rule of law, without hesitation or discrimination.