ISLAMABAD: Army commanders on Thursday reaffirmed their backing for the caretaker government’s initiatives for improving national security and economic stability, while observing that signs of stability were starting to emerge across the country.

“The forum resolved to fully support government’s initiatives in various domains for sustainable recovery of the economy,” the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement at the conclusion of the 82nd Formation Commanders Conference held at GHQ. Army Chief Gen Asim Munir presided over the bi-annual meeting, which was attended by corps commanders, principal staff officers and all formation commanders of the army.

As the country gears up for elections in February, the caretaker government is primarily focused on two critical tasks: restoring the economic stability and addressing the resurgence of terrorism, which are the most pressing challenges at this juncture.

The military would support the government in its campaigns against smuggling, hoarding, and electricity theft, according to ISPR. Additionally, it will play a key role in the deportation of illegal foreigners, a campaign that particularly focuses on the sizable number of Afghans residing illegally in Pakistan. Army would also help in the implementation of ‘One Document Regime’ for Afghan visitors to Pakistan, besides contributing to safeguarding the national database.

Pledge to overcome attempts to create sense of hopelessness; reiterate stance on Kashmir, Palestine

The ISPR referred to a growing sense of stability, certainty and optimism in the country despite challenges, and emphasised the army’s determination to overcome any deliberate attempts to create a sense of despair, which it called as “engineering of despondency”. The statement unequivocally conveyed military’s resolve to overcome attempts to create a sense of hopelessness in the country.

On the fight against terrorism, the ISPR said, “the forum … resolved that all terrorists, their facilitators and abettors, working on the behest of hostile forces to destabilise Pakistan will be dealt with full might of the state”.

“The participants affirmed that Pakistan Army will continue defending and serving the nation in every possible way; in our journey towards enduring stability and security. The forum urged the proud people of Pakistan to stay determined and united,” the ISPR said, adding that Gen Munir expressed satisfaction over operational preparedness and high standards of training and morale maintained by formations to deal with the emerging threat paradigm.

The commanders, moreover, expressed unequivocal diplomatic, moral and political support to the people of Palestine and reiterated Pakistan’s principled stance supporting the two-state solution, based on pre-1967 borders, with Al Quds Al Sharif as the capital of Palestine.

The forum reaffirmed that Pakistan shall continue to support Kashmiris politically, diplomatically and morally.

Published in Dawn, November 24th, 2023