Army top brass declares...: Zero tolerance for ‘violence in name of political activity’

ISLAMABAD: The 262nd Corps Commanders Conference (CCC) presided over by Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir on Wednesday maintained that no one would be allowed to indulge in violence in the name of political activity and sabotage the quintessential democratic exercise of conduct of free and fair elections.

The forum discussed the deployment of Pakistan Army to assist the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) in the peaceful conduct of General Elections 2024.

The forum maintained that Pakistan Army would perform assigned duties as per the constitutional mandate, under the guidelines of Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).

The top brass of the country resolved that terrorists, their facilitators and abettors, working at the behest of hostile forces to destabilise Pakistan, will be dealt with full might of the state.

The COAS stated that Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity are sacrosanct and inviolable. “Pakistan believes in peaceful co-existence with all states, however, there would never be any compromise on country’s sovereignty, national honour and aspirations of Pakistani people,” he maintained.

The forum paid rich tribute to the supreme sacrifices of Shuhada, including officers and men of the armed forces, law enforcement agencies and the citizens who have laid down their lives for ensuring peace and stability in the country.

The forum was briefed on the callous Indian campaign of extra-territorial and extra-judicial killings, perpetuating state-sponsored terrorism and targeting Pakistani citizens.

The forum agreed that blatant violation of international laws by India and its real face be exposed to the world. “The international community has already shown serious concerns over the criminal behaviour of India and its use of state apparatus for killing spree around the world,” the forum observed.

The forum reiterated unequivocal support for Palestine and the people of Gaza while noting the extremely negative fallout of the conflict and the potential to spill over in the wider region. The immediate need for a permanent ceasefire and enduring solution to the Palestinian question was unanimously recognised.

“In the same vein, Pakistan’s resolve to support the people of IIOJK for their right to self-determination was reiterated and Pakistan would continue to morally, politically and diplomatically support Kashmiri brothers and sisters till justice is served in accordance with relevant UNSC resolutions,” the Corps Commanders Conference said.

The forum acknowledged and appreciated the steps taken against the spectrum of illegal activities and criminal mafias including smuggling, hoarding, money laundering, power theft and illegal aliens. The participants emphasized that such actions and their positive impact on the economy and well-being of the people need to continue without any letup. The forum was briefed on operational preparedness of the formations.

The COAS asked the formation commanders to continue their focus on training, administration and morale of soldiers.