Top military brass vows to thwart political violence during polls
ISLAMABAD: The top military brass have vowed to thwart any attempt to indulge in political violence and disrupt the upcoming general elections.
The resolve was expressed at the 262nd Corps Commanders’ Conference held in Rawalpindi chaired by Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir to discuss the law and order situation ahead of the general elections.
The forum discussed deployment of the Pakistan Army to assist Election Commission of Pakistan in the peaceful conduct of general elections.
Pakistan Army will perform assigned duties as per the Constitutional mandate, under the guidelines of ECP. No one would be allowed to indulge in violence in the name of political activity and sabotage the quintessential democratic exercise of conduct of free and fair elections.
The military commanders resolved that terrorists, their facilitators and abettors, working on behest of hostile forces to destabilize Pakistan, will be dealt with full might of the state.
Addressing the military commanders, Gen Munir said Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity are sacrosanct and inviolable, the Inter-Services Public Relations quoted the army chief as saying.
He said Pakistan believes in peaceful co-existence with all states, however, there would never be any compromise over country’s sovereignty, national honour and aspirations of Pakistani people.
The forum was briefed on the callous Indian campaign of extra-territorial and extra-judicial killings, perpetuating state-sponsored terrorism and targeting Pakistani citizens.
It agreed that blatant violation of international laws by India and its real face be exposed to the world. The international community has already shown serious concerns over the criminal behaviour of India and its use of state apparatus for killing spree around the world.
The forum reiterated unequivocal support for Palestine and the people of Gaza while noting the extremely negative fallout of the conflict and the potential to spill over in the wider region. The immediate need for a permanent ceasefire and enduring solution to the Palestinian question was unanimously recognized.
Pakistan’s resolve to support the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir for their right of self-determination was reiterated.
It reiterated that Pakistan would continue to morally, politically and diplomatically support Kashmir brothers and sisters till justice is served in accordance with relevant UN Security Council resolutions.
The conference acknowledged and appreciated the steps taken against spectrum of illegal activities and criminal mafias including smuggling, hoarding, money laundering, power theft and illegal aliens.
The participants emphasized that such actions and their positive impact on the economy and well being of the people need to continue without any let up.
The forum was briefed on operational preparedness of the formations. The army chief asked formation commanders to continue their focus on the training, administration and morale of the soldiers.
The forum paid rich tribute to the supreme sacrifices of martyrs, including officers of the armed forces, law enforcement agencies and the citizens who have laid their lives for ensuring peace and stability in the country.