The Pakistan Army has urged the government to enforce strong laws to stop the misuse of free speech. It stressed the need to control “unethical and harmful practices” that spread lies and create divisions in society. The military’s media wing, ISPR, shared this stance on Thursday after the 84th Formation Commanders’ Conference held at the General Headquarters.
Army Chief General Asim Munir chaired the bi-annual meeting. It was attended by corps commanders, principal staff officers, and all formation commanders.
During the conference, participants voiced concern over malicious propaganda. This misinformation followed the lawful deployment of the army in Islamabad to secure government buildings and ensure safety for visiting foreign delegations. The military labeled the propaganda as a preplanned and coordinated effort by political elements. It claimed that external forces supported this campaign to create distrust between the public and the armed forces. However, the army assured that such attempts would fail.
The meeting also discussed recent protests by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). The demonstrations aimed to demand the release of PTI founder Imran Khan, jailed for over a year. The protest coincided with the Belarusian president’s visit on November 25. PTI retreated after a midnight crackdown by the government. The party later claimed that 12 of its workers were killed and 1,000 arrested. The government, however, denied using live ammunition. It reported that four law enforcers, including three Rangers and one police officer, were killed.
The conference stressed that individuals spreading false news for political and financial gain must be held accountable. The army reaffirmed its commitment to serving the nation and protecting against internal and external threats. It vowed to counter any attempts to incite violence for vested interests.
At the start of the meeting, participants paid tribute to the martyrs of the armed forces, law enforcement agencies, and civilians. These individuals sacrificed their lives for Pakistan’s security and sovereignty. The forum also condemned the ongoing human rights violations in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). It reiterated Pakistan’s support for the Kashmiri people on political, diplomatic, and moral fronts.
The participants reviewed the security environment within and outside the country. They assessed the operational readiness of the Pakistan Army to tackle emerging threats. The conference also evaluated ongoing counterterrorism efforts. It resolved to eliminate terrorists, their facilitators, and those working under foreign influence to destabilize Pakistan. Special attention was given to operations in Balochistan against groups like the BLA Majeed Brigade.
Concerns were raised about the use of Afghan soil by terrorists, particularly the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). The forum urged the interim Afghan government to take visible steps to stop its territory from being used against Pakistan. It emphasized the need for both neighboring nations to work together for mutual benefit.
The army also pledged continued support for development projects in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. It acknowledged the resilience of the people in these provinces who stand firm against terrorism. The forum highlighted its commitment to fostering economic growth and addressing the terror-crime nexus.
Concluding the meeting, General Munir emphasized professionalism, operational readiness, and the army’s dedication to Pakistan’s stability. He reassured that the armed forces would protect the country against all odds and challenges.
