Rawalpindi, October 2,2026: The military’s top brass has warned that any attempt to create agitation or a situation similar to the May 9, 2023 unrest would be dealt with “decisive force” in accordance with the rule of law.
The warning was issued during the 277th Corps Commanders’ Conference held at General Headquarters (GHQ), Rawalpindi, and presided over by Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
The forum underscored the importance of internal stability and resolved that any attempt to cause agitation or create a May 9-like situation, “on any pretext whatsoever”, would be dealt with decisively and without hesitation or discrimination, the military’s media wing said.
The development comes as the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) is preparing for a planned march towards Islamabad on October 4, while the party and government have also begun talks to address the political situation. The first round of talks was held earlier on Friday.
The conference also reviewed the prevailing security environment and resolved to maintain a high state of operational readiness. The forum acknowledged counter-terrorism operations and stressed a combination of kinetic and non-kinetic measures, including people-centric governance at the grassroots level, strategic engagement with the public, dismantling of the terror-crime nexus and strengthening police capacity under the National Action Plan and Vision Azm-i-Istehkam.
Focus on terrorism emanating from Afghanistan
The commanders reaffirmed Pakistan’s right to self-defence and stressed the need for “targeted action” against terrorism emanating from Afghanistan.
According to ISPR, the forum held Afghanistan’s Taliban leadership responsible for consequences arising from what it described as facilitation of terrorism. The statement reflects the military’s position on cross-border militancy and Afghanistan-based threats.
Solidarity with Saudi Arabia
The Corps Commanders’ Conference also welcomed the Makkah Defence Alliance between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye, describing it as contributing to longstanding strategic and collective defence ties.
The forum condemned Houthi attacks against Saudi Arabia, expressed solidarity with the kingdom and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to the security and sanctity of the Haramain Sharifain.
The conference also reiterated Pakistan’s position on Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) and supported resolution of the Kashmir dispute in accordance with relevant UN Security Council resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.
In his concluding remarks, Field Marshal Asim Munir commended the formations for their operational preparedness and professionalism. He directed commanders to strengthen intelligence-based operations and enhance combat capabilities through modern technology, training and multi-domain integration.
According to ISPR, the army chief expressed confidence that the armed forces, with the support of the nation, remained prepared to safeguard Pakistan’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and national security.
The forum also offered prayers for the martyrs of the armed forces, law enforcement agencies and civil society and paid tribute to their sacrifices.
