RAWALPINDI: The army leadership on Thursday reiterated that all the Indian proxies and facilitators of terrorism would be decimated and dismantled with full force of national will and institutional strength.
Reiterating Pakistan’s strategic stance, the forum declared no one could coerce Pakistan through the use or threat of force and the nation would take all measures necessary to safeguard its vital interests.
Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir chaired the 270th Corps Commanders’ Conference which deliberated in depth on the threat posed by India-backed terrorist proxies operating in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
It was observed that following its military failure in the wake of the Pahalgam incident, India, a so-called and self-claimed victim of terrorism but actually a perpetrator of terrorism and epicentre of regional instability, has upscaled the use of covert means, employing non-state actors to pursue its destabilisation agenda.
The forum resolved that Pakistan would never allow its peace to be compromised by externally sponsored terrorism.
The top military brass maintained that the Pakistan Armed Forces, in close synergy with intelligence and law enforcement agencies, will pursue all proxies and facilitators of terrorism with unrelenting resolve. “These hostile elements, trained and financed to incite chaos and fear, will be dismantled and decimated with full force of national will and institutional strength, InshaAllah,” it reaffirmed.
A strategic overview of the regional environment was also undertaken, including the security posture along the Line of Control (LoC), the Working Boundary and the Eastern Border, in the light of recent Pakistan-India conflagration.
The forum expressed deep concern over persistent human rights abuses in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). It condemned these actions as they contributed to organic backlash and perpetuated cycles of violence.
It underscored the urgent need for international attention and intervention to prevent further deterioration of peace and security in South Asia. The meeting reiterated full diplomatic, political, moral and humanitarian support for Kashmiri brothers and sisters and their just resistance for right of self determination.
The Chief of Army Staff commended the high morale, operational readiness, and professionalism of all ranks, as well as the steadfast support of the Pakistani nation.
He emphasised the blessings of Allah Almighty in guiding national efforts and directed all commanders to maintain a heightened state of vigilance and preparedness to address evolving threats across the spectrum. In his concluding remarks, the army chief reaffirmed the Pakistan Army’s pivotal role in ensuring internal stability and securing national frontiers.
He expressed profound appreciation for the enduring support of the people of Pakistan, stating: “The people of Pakistan are our greatest strength. We remain committed to their trust and expectations in our shared struggle against any foreign aggression, terrorism and extremism.” The forum commenced with Fateha for the martyrs of Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos and the heinous terrorist attack in Khuzdar, Balochistan, an atrocity perpetrated through India-sponsored proxies which resulted in the loss of four innocent children and two adults. It unequivocally condemned this barbaric act, noting its deliberate targeting of non-combatants, particularly children, as a reprehensible violation of all norms of humanity and international conduct. The forum also paid solemn tribute to all martyrs of Marka-e-Haq who laid down their lives in defence of the nation during India’s unprovoked aggression. It reaffirmed that the sacred blood of the Shuhada shall not go in vain and safety and security of the people of Pakistan will continue to be the foremost priority of the armed forces.
The forum extended its felicitations to the army chief on his conferment as Field Marshal, acknowledging his strategic foresight, resolute leadership, and enduring contributions to national defence. A comprehensive review of the prevailing internal and external security environment was undertaken, with particular emphasis on the successful conclusion of Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos, a decisive chapter of Marka-e-Haq.
The forum lauded the professionalism, synergy, courage, and resilience of Pakistan Armed Forces and the unwavering support of the nation, which together repelled aggression with exemplary precision and resolve.
It acknowledged Pakistan’s media and information warriors who stood in step with the State against Indian propaganda onslaught, fake news and war hysteria, while accurately portraying facts and figures thereby fostering public trust and countering misinformation.
The forum wholeheartedly recognised the spirit and dynamic contributions of the Pakistani youth, whose passion and patriotism rallied the national spirit as well as projection of national narrative. It saluted the political leadership for their foresight and steering the nation during the Marka-e-Haq with utmost clarity, conviction and resolve.
The Corps Commanders’ Conference noted that history would recall with pride Pakistan’s swift and resolute defensive posture, which neutralised a grave threat within hours of its emergence. Pakistan responded with strategic restraint and operational clarity, upholding both deterrence and moral authority.
The forum reaffirmed Pakistan’s unyielding resolve to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity against any act of aggression or misadventure.
The conference concluded with the Field Marshal expressing full confidence in the operational capability, preparedness and unwavering morale of all formations and institutions entrusted with the defence of the country.
Meanwhile, talking to media persons at the Foreign Office in Islamabad after his China tour, Deputy Prime Minister/ Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said that Pakistan’s security was high on the agenda during his recently concluded visit to China where besides holding meetings with Chinese officials, he also held a bilateral meeting with his Afghan counterpart. The three countries also held an informal trilateral meeting.
“A clear agreement was reached with both China and Afghanistan that no terrorist organisation — whether TTP, BLA or any other militant group — would be allowed to use any country’s soil against another,” he said.
Pointing to security cooperation with China, Dar remarked, “China has deep concerns over attacks against their people in Pakistan. I assured them that we are addressing these threats seriously. We discussed a permanent mechanism to prevent cross-border terrorism. I commend both China and Afghanistan for aligning with our zero-tolerance stance.”
During their previous government from 2013 till 2017, he reiterated that over $4 billion was spent on Operation Zarb-e-Azb, leading to effectively eliminating terrorism. “Unfortunately, the situation deteriorated due to the previous regime’s careless border policies and the release of hardcore terrorists. Now, our resolve is clear: we will crush terrorism with an iron hand as we did before.”
Dar pointing to bilateral ties with China emphasized that the Chinese leadership stood by Pakistan on all core issues. “They reiterated their support for our sovereignty and territorial integrity and backed Pakistan’s stance on Kashmir, calling for a resolution in line with the UN Security Council resolutions. We reaffirmed our support for the One China Policy, including Tibet.”
During his meetings with his Afghan counterpart, Dar said in this regard he highlighted his government’s commitment to improving ties with Afghanistan. “We have religious, cultural, historical and geographical ties with Afghanistan. Our outreach was welcomed across Afghan society. We need to progress beyond the charge d’affaires level and engage substantively.”
He also announced an extension of the transit document regime for Afghan drivers and vehicles until June 30 and introduced a single document regime of a $100 multiple-entry visa for Afghan citizens. “These initiatives were deeply appreciated by Afghan officials,” he noted.
While narrating the four-day recent conflict with India, the foreign minister remarked, “We have successfully countered the Indian narrative — especially regarding the events of 2019. We offered an international investigation into the Pahalgam incident, which India declined. Our transparency strengthened Pakistan’s credibility, and several international actors endorsed our position after verifying the facts.”
He also informed the media that during the Pakistan-India tension, he made over 60 calls to counterparts, including deputy prime ministers and leaders from countries like Qatar, to present Pakistan’s perspective. “The world now understands our position. Pakistan is not just a frontline state against terrorism but also one of its greatest victims — with over 85,000 lives lost and $150 billion in economic losses,” he added.
He condemned the Indian attacks while sharing the details of the recent conflict. According to the foreign minister, around 75 Indian aircraft were launched, 24 payloads dropped, and multiple aircraft, including Rafales and a UAV, were downed by Pakistan. “We responded in daylight under the UN Charter — not as cowards, but as a responsible, sovereign nation.”
He confirmed that the ceasefire agreement, brokered after US Secretary of State Rubio’s call, was holding and said that military-to-military engagements through DGMOs were progressing smoothly. “Our deterrence is defensive, not aggressive. We have never built our nukes and missiles to attack others, but to safeguard peace.”
While referring to CPEC 2.0, he added, “We have successfully laid the groundwork for expanded cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative.” He also confirmed that China has expressed its intent to finance the Pakistan-Afghanistan-Uzbekistan railway project, calling it a transformative step for regional connectivity. “We have already sent a draft framework to Uzbekistan and Afghanistan… I am committed to finalising this by early June.” Dar said that the financing and coordination for this project had been taken up directly with China, which responded positively. “This project, along with the Peshawar-Kabul Highway and ML-1 upgrades, will massively boost Pakistan’s connectivity to the Central Asian Republics and enhance the commercial potential of our under-utilised ports.”
