• Top brass rejects ‘nexus between terrorism, crime and vested political interests’
• Resolves to deal decisively with ‘terrorists under Indian tutelage’
• Appreciates measures to address drivers of militancy in Balochistan, recommends similar steps in restive KP

ISLAMABAD: The top leadership of the Pakistan Army on Wednesday warned political forces against undermining national unity through agitation or rhetoric, besides vowing to deal sternly with what it described as India-sponsored proxies involved in terrorism.

The warning came as Field Marshal Asim Munir — the army chief and newly appointed chief of defence forces (CDF) — presided over the 273rd Corps Commanders’ Conference at army headquarters in Rawalpindi, according to an ISPR statement.

The meeting was the first corps commanders’ moot since the field marshal donned the additional mantle of CDF, a post that broadened his authority over the armed forces.

The presence of the director general of the Joint Staff Headquarters, who does not routinely attend corps commanders’ conferences, underscored the expanded command structure.

The conference, usually held monthly, took place after a gap of about two and a half months.

Senior commanders, ISPR said, reviewed the prevailing internal and external security environment, with a particular focus on evolving threats and operational preparedness.

The forum, according to ISPR, resolved that “no malicious interest, political or otherwise, aimed at undermining national unity, security and stability would be tolerated,” and said no one would be allowed to sow discord between the military and the people.

Although the statement did not explicitly name anyone, the messaging appeared to be directed at jailed opposition leader Imran Khan and his PTI, which the military has accused of seeking to erode the institution’s credibility through persistent public criticism.

Earlier this month, a military spokesperson had described such rhetoric as a “creeping national security threat”, albeit without directly naming Mr Khan or his party. However, during the subsequent Q&A with journalists, he did not dispute the impression that his words were directed at the former PM.

Counterterrorism operations

Field Marshal Munir, ISPR said, commended the armed forces for their sustained, intelligence-based counterterrorism operations carried out in recent months, saying the country was “steadily and surely progressing toward stability, greater opportunities and respect” due to combined efforts of the government, the military and public support.

The forum reaffirmed that “all terrorists under the tutelage of Indian sponsors,” along with their facilitators and abettors, would be dealt with “decisively and without exception,” and categorically rejected what it described as a “nexus between terrorism, crime and vested political interests”.

The year 2025 has been one of the deadliest years in more than a decade, with a sharp rise in incidents along the Afghan border and in restive regions.

The country has faced sustained low to medium intensity militant violence in December, mainly from the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and allied groups in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and separatists groups in Balochistan, whom the state refers to as Fitna al Khwarij and Fitna al Hindustan, respectively.

Lately, there has been a growing body of evidence pointing to Indian involvement in fomenting terrorism in Pakistan by supporting terrorist networks operating along its western border through funding and training and providing operational coordination.

Indian role in high profile incidents such as the March 2025 Jaffar Express hijacking has been documented.

According to officials, TTP functions as an Indian proxy, with assistance allegedly channelled through Afghan territory, while Baloch separatist groups are also said to receive Indian backing.

Security agencies frequently cite the 2016 arrest of Kulbhushan Jadhav, a former Indian naval officer captured in Balochistan and later convicted on espionage and terrorism charges, as central evidence of Indian involvement.

KP, Balochistan situation

Participants also reviewed the security situation in Balochistan, appreciating special development initiatives focused on local empowerment and social engagement to address governance related drivers of militancy.

Alluding to KP, the other province that has suffered most from the resurgent terrorism, the commanders noted the need for similar measures there in line with National Action Plan to ensure durable peace.

In his concluding remarks, ISPR said, FM Munir directed commanders to maintain the highest standards of operational readiness, discipline, training, physical fitness, technological innovation and battlefield adaptability.

He expressed confidence in the army’s ability to counter the full spectrum of threats, from conventional to hybrid and asymmetric, while safeguarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Published in Dawn, December 25th, 2025