Army commanders resolve to preserve anti-terror gains after surge in deadly attacks

RAWALPINDI: Top military commanders on Tuesday vowed to neutralise the threats posed by “inimical forces”, pledging that the Pakistan Army would not let hard-earned successes against terrorism be reversed. 

A resolve to this effect was agreed upon during the Corps Commanders’ Conference (CCC) at General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi, presided over by Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir, according to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

In assessing the inimical forces, malicious actors, subversive proxies, and the facilitators of Pakistan’s external and internal adversaries, particularly those active in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the top commanders deliberated on a range of measures to neutralise these threats.

“The forum reaffirmed that the Pakistan Army, with the unwavering support of the people, will not allow the hard-earned successes against terrorism to be reversed,” it added.

Pakistan's armed forces launched intelligence-based operations (IBOs) in the southwestern Balochistan province in response to attacks by insurgents that martyred over 50 people on August 26, the ISPR said last week.

The military’s media wing said 21 insurgents were killed and three others wounded in the three operations launched in the province. "Operations will continue until all perpetrators, facilitators and abettors of these atrocious acts are brought to justice," the army had said in a statement.

Moreover, security forces neutralised at least 12 terrorists in IBOs conducted in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Tirah Valley, according to ISPR.

"Since August 20, 2024, security forces are conducting extensive IBOs in Tirah Valley, Khyber District, on the reported presence of Khwarij," the ISPR said in a statement.

During the meeting, the military top brass emphasised that the army was a disciplined institution, upholding the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and loyalty to the state and institution.

“The institution's well-established and rigorous system of accountability ensures that these values are preserved with unwavering commitment, allowing no room for exceptions or partiality,” the meeting stressed, adding, “This strict adherence to accountability fortifies the Army’s integrity, ensuring that no individual is above the law or exempt from scrutiny.”

Recognising the urgency and significance of a robust and effective legal system, the COAS emphasised that the Pakistan Army would continue to extend comprehensive support to the government, administrative apparatus, and law enforcement agencies in taking swift and lawful action against terrorists, anarchists, and criminal mafias.

The forum expressed satisfaction over ongoing efforts against illegal spectrum operating in collusion with terrorist networks, underscoring the critical need to safeguard national cyberspace through stringent cybersecurity measures.

In a show of solidarity with the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), who continue to suffer gross human rights violations, the forum honoured the martyrs of the freedom movement. The blatant continued violence and genocide of Palestinians by Israel were also condemned in the strongest terms.

The forum expressed confidence in the operational preparedness and readiness of the Pakistan Army and vowed to continue to uphold the standards in pursuit of professional excellence, according to the ISPR.