A democratic state rests on three pillars: the Parliament, the Administration and the Judiciary. While Parliament is responsible for legislation and policy-making, the Judiciary is expected to deliver impartial judgments. However, there’s a growing trend of judicial activism, with judges increasingly voicing opinions beyond their traditional role. In sharp contrast, the military, particularly the Pakistan Army, operates with a clear and transparent approach. The Formation/Corps Commanders’ Conference, a regular gathering of top military leadership, provides a platform to discuss and formulate strategies for national security. This forum ensures a unified and coordinated approach to addressing challenges, including terrorism, extremism and external threats.
The 84th Formation/Corps Commanders’ Conference began by offering prayers for the martyrs of the defence forces, law enforcement agencies and government officials who sacrificed their lives defending the country’s security and sovereignty during the recent PTI-led protests in Islamabad which tried to chock the administrative functions of the government. The Formation Commanders’ Conference provides strategic guidance to the military and appears to be aligned with the government’s policies. This alignment has contributed to the recent successes in counterterrorism operations and economic growth, as evidenced by the surge in the stock market.
The Formation Commanders’ Conference is a regular high-level military meeting, convened every 2-3 months. Chaired by the Chief of Army Staff, the conference brings together senior military leaders, including Corps Commanders and Principal Staff Officers, to review past operations and formulate future plans. The Conference addresses critical national security issues, including external threats like those emanating from the Line of Control (LoC), the working boundary with India and regional tensions involving Afghanistan and Iran. Domestic security concerns, such as terrorism, extremism and law and order, are also central to the discussions. The military leadership emphasizes operational readiness to counter emerging threats and ensures coordination and cooperation among various military formations.
The recent conference conveyed a strong message of assurance and commitment to national security. The Army’s dedication to safeguarding the nation’s interests is reinforced by the guidelines outlined by Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir. The forum honored the martyrs who sacrificed their lives defending the nation and condemned the violence perpetrated by certain political groups. The conference expressed solidarity with the people of Kashmir and Palestine, reaffirming Pakistan’s unwavering support for their just causes. Participants were briefed on the current security landscape and reviewed the Army’s readiness to counter both conventional and unconventional threats. A comprehensive analysis of counter-terrorism operations was conducted, with a focus on neutralizing terrorists and their networks. The military leadership also condemned the malicious propaganda aimed at creating discord between the people and the defence forces.
The close alignment between the military and the current regime led to significant progress on multiple fronts. Pakistan is simultaneously witnessing a crackdown on terrorism and a surge in economic growth, as reflected by record-high levels on the stock exchange. The forum condemned the ongoing human rights abuses in India-occupied Jammu and Kashmir and reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering political, diplomatic and moral support for the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination. Expressing solidarity with the Palestinian people, the forum strongly condemned the atrocities in Gaza and reiterated its support for international legal measures to end the Israeli aggression. Pakistan remains steadfast in its commitment to these principles.
The forum also conducted a comprehensive review of ongoing counter-terrorism operations and reaffirmed its commitment to neutralizing terrorists, their facilitators and those working to destabilize Pakistan at the behest of hostile forces. The focus will be on counter-terrorism operations in Balochistan, including targeting the BLA Majeed Brigade. Additionally, the forum reiterated its commitment to a strict crackdown on terrorism, sectarianism and anti-Pakistan Taliban activities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The conference expressed deep concern over the ongoing propaganda campaign. This pre-planned and coordinated effort by certain political elements, often aided by foreign actors, aims to create a rift between the people of Pakistan and its defence forces and institutions. Such malicious attempts are doomed to fail. General Syed Asim Munir emphasized the urgent need for the government to strictly enforce laws and regulations to prevent the abuse of freedom of expression for spreading misinformation, hate speech and divisive rhetoric. Individuals disseminating fake news for political or financial gain must be identified and held accountable. The army remains committed to serving the nation and protecting its people from all threats, domestic and foreign, without bias or political affiliation. Any attempt to incite violence or use it for personal gain will not be tolerated.
The forum also expressed concern over the continued use of Afghan soil by terrorists, particularly those affiliated with extremist groups like Fitna Alkhawarij. General Munir emphasized the importance of both Pakistan and Afghanistan focusing on mutual cooperation and taking concrete steps to prevent the use of their territories for terrorist activities. He reiterated the Army’s commitment to supporting socio-economic development initiatives undertaken by the federal and provincial governments in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. He assured full protection and support to those who stand against terrorism and support national institutions in rooting out menace of terrorism. The Army remains committed to promoting economic growth, combating illegal activities, and breaking the nexus between terrorism and crime. General Asim emphasized the importance of professionalism, operational readiness, and unwavering dedication to ensure Pakistan’s security and stability, despite the challenges faced by the armed forces. It is imperative for the government, its institutions, and political parties to work together to achieve political and economic stability and rid Pakistan of scourage menace of terrorism.
—The writer is former Chairman Standing Committee and Member Azad Jammu and Kashmir Council.
