Military warns against May 9-like unrest, vows decisive action

ISLAMABAD - Military leaders have issued a stern warning against any potential unrest or unrest reminiscent of May 9, in the wake of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) planning to march towards Islamabad on October 4. This comes amid heightened political tensions surrounding the party's postponed protest from September 27 to October 4.

The warning was delivered at the 277th Corps Commanders' Conference, chaired by Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, the Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces (COAS & CDF), held at the General Headquarters (GHQ), Rawalpindi, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

During the conference, the military emphasized the significance of internal stability and declared that any attempt to incite agitation or simulate a 9th May-like situation on any pretext would face "decisive force and the rule of law, without hesitation or discrimination." Although the ISPR statement did not directly name PTI or connect the warning to the October 4 march, the conference reviewed the security situation and reaffirmed Pakistan's right to self-defense and targeted action against terrorism originating from Afghanistan.

Field Marshal Munir commended the armed forces for their operational readiness and directed commanders to further bolster intelligence-driven operations and augment combat capabilities through modern technology, training, and multi-domain integration. The COAS & CDF expressed confidence in the Armed Forces, backed by the nation, to defend Pakistan's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The forum also highlighted the importance of people-centric governance, strategic engagement with the public, dismantling the terror-crime nexus, and enhancing police capacity as outlined in the National Action Plan and Vision Azm-e-Istehkam.