• ISPR blames surge in attacks on ‘inimical forces, malicious actors, subversive proxies’
• Top brass vows to counter militant threats, fortify cyber defences

ISLAMABAD: In a forceful public reiteration, just weeks after announcing the court-martial of a former spy chief and several retired officers, the army leadership on Tuesday unequivocally reaffirmed its commitment to uncompromising internal discipline, making it clear that no individual, regardless of rank or stature, was above the law or exempt from rigorous scrutiny.

The leadership also vowed to decisively counter militant threats and fortify the country’s cyber def­ences, in response to escalating violence and mounting criticism over the army’s role in political affairs.

This was the policy dire­ction set by the top leadership at the Corps Comm­an­­­ders’ Conference, where Chief of Army Staff Gen Asim Munir and other senior commanders outlined a comprehensive strategy to address both internal and external challenges, ranging from disciplinary proceedings against retired officers to militant threats and the evolving cyber landscape.

“The forum emphasised that the army is a disciplined institution, upholding the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and loyalty to the state and institution,” the Inter-Services Public Rela­tions (ISPR) said in a statement.

The statement, issued at the conclusion of the first corps commanders conference held after the detention and initiation of court-martial proceedings against former spymaster retired Lt Gen Faiz Hameed and other associated officers, can be seen as an implicit endorsement of the action by the army’s highest forum.

The proceedings, initiated on allegations of violating the Army Act and misconduct levelled by a private housing society, marked one of the most high-profile trials conducted through the military’s Field General Court Martial mechanism.

The statement underscored a “well-established and rigorous” and impartial system of accountability that tolerates no “exceptions or favouritism”.

This assertion assumes significant importance in the context of Gen Hameed’s ongoing court-martial, as it aims to reassure military personnel and the broader public that the army adheres strictly to its codes of conduct. It also signals a commitment to seeing the high-profile trial to its logical conclusion.

“This strict adherence to accountability fortifies the army’s integrity, ensuring that no individual is above the law or exempt from scrutiny,” the statement maintained.

Growing militant threat

The ISPR said that the commanders discussed “a range of measures” to tackle the growing militant threat.

The country has seen a significant surge in terrorist attacks in recent months, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. The attacks are estimated to have more than doubled over the same period in the previous year. Notable spikes were witnessed in July and August 2024. August alone saw 59 terrorist attacks, up from 38 in July.

The ISPR statement blamed this increase on “inimical forces, malicious actors, subversive proxies,” and the “facilitators of external and internal adversaries”.

In response to the escalating violence, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had reaffirmed his commitment to combating terrorism during a cabinet meeting last week.

The commanders, acco­r­ding to the ISPR, vowed not to allow the hard-earned successes against terrorism to be reversed.

“Recognising the urgency and significance of a robust and effective legal system, [the] COAS emphasised that the Pakistan Army would continue to extend comprehensive support to the government, administrative apparatus, and law enforcement agencies in taking swift and lawful action against terrorists, anarchists, and criminal mafias,” it added.

The commanders further emphasised the “critical need” to safeguard national cyberspace through stringent cybersecurity measures.

The military recently introduced the concept of ‘digital terrorism’ to categorise severe criticism and anti-military narratives on social media, effectively framing online dissent as a threat to national stability.

This characterisation justified extensive measures to regulate the digital landscape, including the installation of a national firewall that filters internet traffic and blocks access to specific websites and content, mirroring digital censorship practices in countries notorious for strict information control.

Furthermore, authorities previously restricted access to platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and pursued actions against individuals accused of spreading perceived anti-state propaganda.

Published in Dawn, September 4th, 2024