Military top brass vows to bring perpetrators of 9th May to justice; Formation Commanders Conference at GHQ addresses key national security concerns

By Naveed Siddiqui
RAWALPINDI: The 83rd Formation Commanders Conference, presided over by Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir, held at the General Headquarters (GHQ). Attended by Corps Commanders, Principal Staff Officers, and all Formation Commanders of the Pakistan Army, the forum discussed critical national security issues and strategic responses.
The forum emphasized the urgent need to bring to justice the planners, perpetrators, abettors, and facilitators of the events of May 9th. It was asserted that without swift and transparent dispensation of justice, and the establishment of the rule of law, stability in the country would remain compromised. The forum highlighted that this is essential for the collective good of the nation.
The participants offered Fatiha and paid tribute to the supreme sacrifices made by Shuhadas, including officers and men of the Armed Forces, Law Enforcement Agencies, and citizens who laid down their lives for Pakistan’s safety, security, and sovereignty.
The forum was briefed on the dynamics of the geo-strategic environment and emerging challenges to national security. The Army’s strategy to counter multi-domain threats was discussed, alongside technological innovations to modernize the Army and optimize logistic support to field formations.
Expressing serious concerns over continued cross-border violations from Afghanistan, the forum noted the orchestrated use of Afghan soil by Pakistan’s adversaries to target Security Forces and civilians. The forum acknowledged the sacrifices of the people of the Newly Merged Districts (NMDs) in the war against terrorism and emphasized the importance of uplifting these areas to defeat terrorism decisively.
The need for socio-economic development in Balochistan was underlined to counter externally propagated narratives of exclusion. The forum stressed that foreign-sponsored proxies were exploiting these narratives to lead Balochistan’s youth away from peace and progress.
Reviewing the situation on the Eastern Border and the latest round of extra-judicial murders in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), the forum expressed complete solidarity with the Kashmiri people in their just struggle for self-determination, as enshrined in UN Security Council Resolutions. Concerns were raised over the treatment of minorities, especially Muslims, in India, and the forum noted the growing fascism for vested political ends.
The forum also expressed complete solidarity with the people of Palestine, condemning human rights violations and war crimes in Gaza. The participants supported the International Court of Justice’s decision to stop the Rafah Operation and other operations within the Gaza Strip.
The forum underscored the threat of politically motivated and vested digital terrorism, abetted by foreign cohorts, against State institutions. It highlighted efforts to sow discord between national institutions, especially the Armed Forces, and the people of Pakistan through fake news and propaganda. The forum expressed confidence that the nation is fully aware of these motives and that these nefarious designs will be defeated.
The forum resolved to continue supporting government initiatives for sustainable economic growth and curbing illegal activities, such as smuggling, hoarding, electricity theft, and the implementation of the One Document Regime. The dignified repatriation of illegal foreigners and the safeguarding of the national database were also prioritized.
COAS General Syed Asim Munir appreciated the high standard of training displayed during various exercises and the excellent performance in counter-terrorism operations. He commended the formations for their high morale and operational readiness. The participants expressed satisfaction with the Army’s steps for the training, administration, and welfare of serving and retired personnel.
The forum noted the significant milestone achieved by Pakistan on Youm-e-Takbir and its stabilizing impact on the region.
The conference concluded by affirming the resolve to neutralize all threats to the country’s security and stability, with the full backing of the nation.