RAWALPINDI: Top military brass has called on the government to implement stricter laws to combat the growing tide of hate speech and polarisation being spread under the guise of free speech Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir chaired the 84th Formation Commanders Conference at the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi, attended by key military leaders including Corps Commanders, Principal Staff Officers, and Formation Commanders of the Pakistan Army.

According to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) on Thursday, the conference began with a solemn tribute to the martyrs of Pakistan’s Armed Forces, Law Enforcement Agencies, and citizens, including those who died during the recent violent protests in Islamabad.

The forum offered prayers for their sacrifices in safeguarding Pakistan’s security and sovereignty.

The conference strongly condemned the ongoing human rights abuses in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir and reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering support for the Kashmiri people. The participants also expressed solidarity with Palestine, condemning the atrocities in Gaza and calling for international legal action to end the military aggression there.

A comprehensive briefing was provided on the current security environment, both domestic and international, along with a review of the Army’s operational readiness to counter emerging threats.

A special focus was given to counterterrorism operations, with the Army reiterating its commitment to neutralising terrorists, their facilitators, and abettors, particularly in Balochistan, where the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) Majeed Brigade is active.

The conference addressed ongoing malicious propaganda, particularly after the Army’s lawful deployment in Islamabad to secure key government buildings and ensure the safety of visiting delegations.

It condemned the coordinated efforts by certain political elements to undermine the Army’s reputation and its relationship with the public. The forum labelled this attempt as part of a larger, externally-fueled plot, which it vowed would fail.

The forum called for stronger government measures to curb the unethical use of freedom of expression, which it claimed has been exploited to spread lies and deepen divisions. It stressed the need to identify and punish those spreading fake news for political or financial gain. Concern was also raised over the continued use of Afghan soil by terrorists, particularly the group known as Fitna Al Khawarij, to launch attacks on Pakistan.

The forum urged both Pakistan and Afghanistan to focus on mutually beneficial engagement and called for visible measures from the Afghan government to prevent its soil from being used by terrorists.

On the domestic front, the Army reiterated its commitment to supporting socio-economic and development initiatives in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, aiming to uplift the resilient populations in these provinces, who have been at the forefront of the fight against terrorism.

COAS Munir concluded by emphasising the Army’s focus on professionalism, operational readiness, and its unwavering dedication to Pakistan’s security and stability.

He reiterated that the Army would continue to serve the nation, protect it from all threats, and ensure the safety of the public, without any political bias.

Published in The Daily National Courier, December, 06 2024

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