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• Corps commanders review internal, external security environment; say regional peace, stability linked to collective restraint, respect for sovereignty
• Top brass rejects ‘coordinated disinformation strategy’ by Kabul
• Felicitates nation on Marka-i-Haq anniversary
ISLAMABAD: The army’s top brass on Tuesday vowed to “decisively dismantle” terror networks and rejected Afghan Taliban claims of Pakistani strikes on civilians.
The 275th Corps Commanders’ Conference, presided over by Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir, dismissed the allegations that Pakistani forces were targeting civilians inside Afghanistan, terming them part of a “coordinated disinformation strategy” by Kabul.
Presiding over the conference at General Headquarters in Rawalpindi, Field Marshal Munir expressed satisfaction over operational preparedness and commended formations for “success in ongoing intelligence-based counter-terrorism operations”, according to a statement issued by Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
The forum resolved to “deny terrorists any operational space within Pakistan” and acknowledged “continued degradation of terrorists and their support infrastructure through Operation Ghazb lil Haq”.
It said the Afghan Taliban regime’s “irrational and perverted policy” of providing safe havens to “Khawarij and other terrorist organisations” was “backfiring and stands fully exposed”.
Fitna al Khawarij is the term used by the state for the outlawed Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) terrorist outfit. The forum termed recent Afghan Taliban claims that Pakistan was targeting civilians inside Afghanistan as part of a “coordinated disinformation strategy by the regime to distract attention from their internal failures and play victim card”.
It “categorically rejected these frivolous allegations” and said Pakistan’s defensive actions “remain focused, precise, and directed solely against infiltrators, terrorist hideouts and support infrastructures”.
The remarks come amid heightened tensions after Pakistan carried out cross-border strikes in March and April targeting TTP hideouts. Kabul has repeatedly accused Islamabad of causing civilian casualties, which Pakistan denies.
Regional security
Deliberating on the broader regional security environment, the military’s top brass noted that emerging geopolitical developments carried significant implications for regional stability.
The generals’ observation came against the backdrop of the ongoing conflict between the US and Iran, which began with US-Israeli strikes on Iran in late February, and later mushroomed into a regional crisis, involving the disruption of traffic in shipping lanes and attacks on Gulf countries.
The conflict is paused for now, following a fragile ceasefire that continues to be tested.
While underscoring the importance of restraint and avoidance of escalation, the forum acknowledged Pakistan’s continued responsible role in advocating stability and supporting efforts aimed at preventing further deterioration of the situation.
It reiterated that peace and stability in the region were intrinsically linked to collective restraint, responsibility and respect for sovereignty.
The corps commanders reaffirmed that the enduring legacy of the martyrs continued to serve as the bedrock of Pakistan’s national security, unity, and resilience. The conference also undertook a comprehensive review of the prevailing internal and external security environment.
It also congratulated the nation and the armed forces on the first anniversary of Marka-i-Haq, recognising it as a defining moment reflecting national unity, collective resolve, and an unyielding commitment to safeguard Pakistan’s sovereignty at all costs.
It underscored that the national commemoration of Marka-i-Haq served as a clear message to the Indian hubristic political mindset that the Pakistani nation stood united, resilient, and fully prepared.
According to the statement, the event signified the unshakeable harmony between the people, the government, and the armed forces of Pakistan, which stood together as a “Bunyanum Marsoos” (lead-lined wall) against all internal and external challenges.
The forum also condemned ongoing atrocities, extrajudicial killings, and demographic changes in Indian occupied Kashmir, reaffirming Pakistan’s unwavering diplomatic, political, and moral support for the just struggle of the Kashmiri people.
In his concluding remarks, the CDF directed commanders to maintain the highest levels of vigilance, operational readiness, and adaptability in the face of evolving threats. He emphasised the need for continued focus on professional excellence, integrated response mechanisms, and proactive measures to counter both conventional and non-conventional challenges.
Published in Dawn, May 6th, 2026
