Pakistan’s top military leadership on Friday warned that any attempt to create unrest resembling the May 9, 2023 violence would be dealt with through “decisive force” and in accordance with the law, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
The warning was issued during the 277th Corps Commanders’ Conference at General Headquarters in Rawalpindi, chaired by Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir.
According to ISPR, the commanders stressed the importance of internal stability and said any attempt to create agitation or a “May 9-like situation” on any pretext would be addressed without hesitation or discrimination under the rule of law.
The military’s statement came two days before Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf’s planned October 4 march towards Islamabad, which the party says is intended to press for the release of former prime minister and PTI founder Imran Khan. The march was initially scheduled for September 27 before being postponed.
The PTI-led opposition and the ruling coalition also held their first round of talks on Friday in an effort to ease political tensions. The two sides agreed to continue discussions on Saturday as the planned protest remains a key point of contention.
The military’s reference to May 9 relates to the unrest that followed Imran Khan’s arrest in 2023, when protests and violence broke out across the country and several state and military installations, including General Headquarters in Rawalpindi, were attacked. The events were followed by a wide-ranging crackdown and criminal cases against PTI leaders and supporters.
The Corps Commanders’ Conference also reviewed Pakistan’s broader security environment and resolved to maintain a high level of operational readiness, according to ISPR. The forum praised recent counterterrorism operations while calling for a combination of military and non-military measures, including improved local governance, public engagement, efforts to dismantle links between terrorism and organised crime, and stronger police capacity.
On Afghanistan, the commanders reaffirmed Pakistan’s stated right to self-defence and called for “targeted action” against militant threats that Islamabad says originate from Afghan territory. ISPR also accused Afghanistan’s Taliban leadership of facilitating terrorism against Pakistan on behalf of India. These claims reflect the Pakistani military’s position and were not independently verified.
The meeting also welcomed the Makkah Defence Alliance between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye and condemned recent Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, according to ISPR. The commanders expressed solidarity with Riyadh and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to the security and sanctity of Islam’s two holiest mosques.
The forum further reiterated Pakistan’s longstanding position on the Kashmir dispute and supported its resolution in accordance with relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions and what Islamabad describes as the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.
In his concluding remarks, Field Marshal Munir praised military formations for their operational preparedness and professionalism and directed commanders to strengthen intelligence-based operations and improve combat capabilities through modern technology, training and multi-domain integration.
ISPR said the military leadership expressed confidence that Pakistan’s armed forces remained prepared to defend the country’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and national security.
Claims concerning militant activity originating from Afghanistan and alleged foreign support are attributed to Pakistan’s military authorities and have not been independently verified.
