By The South Asia Times

ISLAMABAD - Pakistan’s military leadership has warned that it will take targeted action against terrorism originating from Afghanistan and use decisive force against any attempt to trigger unrest similar to the May 9, 2023, violence, according to an official statement released on Friday.

The warning came during the 277th Corps Commanders’ Conference, chaired by Field Marshal Asim Munir, Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces, at the General Headquarters in Rawalpindi.

The military’s media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), said the commanders reviewed the country’s security situation and resolved to maintain a high level of operational readiness.

The forum reaffirmed Pakistan’s right to self-defence and to conduct targeted operations against terrorism emanating from Afghanistan. It accused the Afghan Taliban leadership of facilitating militant activity allegedly backed by India, holding it responsible for the consequences.

The statement reflected Islamabad’s continuing security concerns over militant attacks inside Pakistan and its allegations that armed groups operate from Afghan territory. 

The military leadership also issued a warning against attempts to destabilise Pakistan through political agitation or public disorder.

“Any attempt to cause agitation or create 9th May like situation, on any pretext whatsoever, will be dealt with decisive force and rule of law, without hesitation and discrimination,” the ISPR statement said.

May 9 refers to the widespread unrest that erupted in Pakistan in 2023 following the arrest of former prime minister Imran Khan. Protesters attacked or vandalised military installations and other public property in several cities, triggering a sweeping crackdown on Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party and its supporters.

The military forum stressed that internal stability remained essential to national security.

The statement did not identify any specific planned protest or organisation in connection with its warning, however, Khan's party is holding a long march toward Islamabad on October 4.

The commanders praised what the military described as successful intelligence-based counterterrorism operations conducted by security forces and law enforcement agencies.

However, the forum said military action alone would not be sufficient to address the threat, calling for stronger local governance, greater public engagement, improved police capabilities and action against networks linking criminal activity with militancy.

These measures, it said, should be pursued under Pakistan’s National Action Plan and the Azm-e-Istehkam counterterrorism initiative.

Munir directed military formations to strengthen intelligence-led operations and improve combat capabilities through modern technology, training and coordination across multiple operational domains.

He expressed confidence that Pakistan’s armed forces, with public support, remained prepared to protect the country’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and national security.

The conference also welcomed the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement involving Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye, describing it as an important development in the countries’ longstanding strategic and collective defence relations.

The military leadership condemned Houthi terrorists attacks against Saudi Arabia and expressed solidarity with the kingdom, reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to protecting the security and sanctity of the Two Holy Mosques in Makkah and Madinah.

The statement came amid regional concerns following a reported drone attack on the Taibah electricity distribution station in Madinah on September 29. Saudi Arabia’s-led coalition has attributed the attack to Yemen’s Houthi terrorist group.

Pakistan has separately condemned the incident, calling for an end to attacks threatening civilian infrastructure and regional stability.

The commanders also reiterated Pakistan’s position on Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

The forum called for a resolution of the Kashmir dispute in accordance with relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.

The conference concluded with Munir commending military formations for their operational preparedness and professionalism and directing commanders to maintain readiness amid what the military described as a challenging security environment.