Army commanders warn of decisive action against attempts to create May 9-like situation

The 277th Corps Commanders’ Conference stressed the importance of internal stability and stated that any attempt to incite agitation or repeat the May 9 incidents would be met with decisive action in line with the rule of law, according to the military’s media wing. The conference, chaired by Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, took place at General Headquarters in Rawalpindi.

Government and opposition talks on the political situation, particularly the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)’s protest towards Islamabad, were postponed until Saturday. PTI Chairman Gohar Khan described the initial negotiations as positive, expressing hope for continued dialogue. The opposition announced a long march to Islamabad on October 4, after changing the original date from September 27.

Protesters on May 9, 2023, targeted army property in multiple cities, leading to widespread violence. Since then, numerous PTI leaders and workers have been arrested. The conference reaffirmed Pakistan’s right to self-defense and targeted action against terrorism from Afghanistan, resolving to maintain a high state of readiness.

Intelligence-based counterterrorism operations were praised, but non-kinetic measures such as grassroots governance and public engagement were emphasized. The commanders welcomed the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement with Saudi Arabia and Türkiye, and expressed solidarity with Saudi Arabia over Houthi attacks. Pakistan’s stance on Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir and support for a UN-backed solution to the Kashmir dispute were reiterated.

Field Marshal Munir commended the armed forces for their readiness and directed them to enhance combat capabilities through technology, training, and modern integration, confident in their ability to safeguard national security.