ISLAMABAD: The top brass on Thursday reiterated its commitment to protect Pakistan from direct and indirect threats with absolute might and also assist the government in a crackdown on illegal practices which compromise the economic sovereignty of the country.

The reaffirmation came during the 259th meeting of the Corps Commanders Conference presided over by army chief Gen Asim Munir amid a crackdown against dollar hoarders to stabilise the exchange rate.

On the security front, the military is dealing with militants crossing into the country from Afghanistan. On Wednes­day, 16 militants were killed while four troops also lost their lives in two separate incidents in Chitral and North Waziristan as the army foiled their bid to infiltrate the country.

During the meeting, the participants were briefed on the prevalent geo-strategic environment, challenges to national security and their own strategy in response to evolving threats. The forum resol­ved that all terrorists, their “facilitators and abettors, working at the behest of hostile forces to destabilise Pakistan will be dealt with full might of the state”.

The participants reiterated the army’s resolve to defend the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Pakistan against all kinds of direct and indirect threats.

The forum reaffirmed that inimical propagandists’ desperate attempts to cause a wedge between the state institutions and the public are indicative of their mounting desperation and will only result in more humiliation of such elements.

The forum reiterated full support for the ongoing efforts to improve socioeconomic growth under the umbrella of the Special Investment Facilitation Council and “wholeheartedly assisting the government in curbing all illegal activities” which hamper economic stability, growth and investors’ confidence.

The need for speedy development of the economic potential of tribal districts and border districts of Balochistan for sustainable peace and growth was also emphasised, according to the statement issued after the meeting.

The COAS stressed maintaining high standards of professionalism and motivation during operations and achieving excellence during the training of the formations. He commended the commanders for their constant focus on the well-being of their soldiers and maintenance of morale.

The forum paid tribute to the martyrs who laid their lives for the safety and security of the country. Fateha was offered for the martyrs and it was reiterated that the state and the armed forces will continue to hold the the martyrs and their families in the highest esteem.

Published in Dawn, September 8th, 2023