Top military commanders on Thursday resolved to provide “requisite and necessary support” to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) for forthcoming general elections, scheduled to be held on February 8, 2024, the military said in a statement.
The statement came at the conclusion of the 261st Corps Commanders’ Conference (CCC), presided over by Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir.
According to Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), t
he forum was br
iefed on prevalent geo-strategic environment, c
hallenges to national security and own strategy in response to evolving threat.
T
he forum declared that all terrorists, along with their facilitators and abettors, acting on behalf of hostile fo
rces to destabilise the nation, will face the full force of the state. “The sanctuaries and liberty of action available to the terrorists of proscribed TTP and other groups of that ilk in a neighbouring country and availability of latest weapons to the terrorists were noted as serious points of
concern impacting security of Pakistan,” the statement added.
T
he forum reiterated Pakistan Army’s resolve to defend the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Pakistan against direct and indirect threats. T
he forum was br
iefed on operational preparedness of t
he formations. COAS stressed the need for continuously maintaining operational excellence in cognitive and physical realms and pursuit of high standards of motivation and training. The ISPR stated that it expressed serious
concern over continued repression and reprehensible human rights violations by Indian military forces in IIOJK.
“The recent acts of abduction, torture and killing of civilians by the Indian Army were unequivocally condemned by the participants. Such acts constitute grave crimes against humanity and cannot dampen the spirit of the brave Kashmiris who are struggling for their lawful right of self-determination,” it added.
The statement said that Pakistan would keep supporting its Kashmiri brethren with all political, moral and diplomatic support for resolution of Kashmir issue according to international law and relevant UNSC resolutions. T
he forum expressed full solidarity with the people of Palestine and condemned serious human rights violations and war crimes being perpetrated in Gaza while reiterating government’s stance of demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and peaceful resolution of the ongoing conflict.
It reiterated its support for ongoing efforts to promote socioeconomic growth and encouraging foreign investment under the umbrella of Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC).
T
he forum also took holistic review of the ongoing actions being taken against smuggling, money laundering, power theft and hoarding of essential items amongst other illegal economic activities.
“Pakistan Army will continue to provide all out support to relevant government institutions and LEAs to curb such crimes.”
T
he forum also paid rich tribute to the supreme sacrifices of martyrs including officers and men of the armed forces, law enforcement agencies and citizens who laid their lives for ensuring peace and stability in the country.
The participants also offered prayers for the martyrs including those of DI Khan attack.