- The ISPR claims the operation was aimed at taking advantage of anti-terror efforts.
- Army pledges to fight “digital terrorism” against state institutions.
- The military leaders also discussed the regional security situation.
The military high command on Friday denounced undue criticism against the newly launched anti-terror operation Azm-e-Istehkam (Resolution for Stability), saying the “vision” was being deliberately distorted to benefit “vested interests”.
The statement came after the 265 Corps Commanders' Conference (CCC) held at the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi with Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir in the chair, according to Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
He noted that the forum conducted a comprehensive review of the internal and external security situation of the country and held a detailed discussion on various aspects of “Azm-e-Istehkam”.
The military's media wing said the new operation is aimed at leveraging national counter-terrorism efforts in a synchronized manner to dismantle the nexus between terrorism and illegal spectre in the country to achieve lasting stability and economic prosperity.
“The Forum noted with concern the unwarranted criticism from some quarters and deliberate distortion of vision, only to promote their vested interests,” the ISPR said.
“The forum affirmed that the military leadership is aware of the entire spectrum of challenges and resolved to shoulder its constitutionally mandated responsibilities with the support of the resilient people of Pakistan,” it added.
The military has vowed to crack down on “digital terrorism” plotters instigated by foreign accomplices.
“The forum stressed that the spate of politically motivated digital terrorism, unleashed by conspirators, duly instigated by their foreign accomplices against state institutions, is aimed at inducing despondency in the nation and sowing discord by spreading blatant lies, fake news and propaganda,” the military's media wing said.
He added that the armed forces and the nation are fully aware of all such machinations and remain united and committed to defeating the “notorious designs of the enemies.”
In addition, the top military commanders also discussed the regional security situation, especially Afghanistan, and reaffirmed their commitment to regional peace and security.
They expressed their solidarity with the people of Kashmir and Palestine and condemned the serious human rights violations, war crimes and genocide being perpetrated in Kashmir and Gaza.
The forum paid rich tribute to the supreme sacrifices of martyrs of armed forces, law enforcement agencies and citizens of Pakistan who laid down their lives for peace and stability in the country.
He also renewed his resolve to continue to fully support ongoing efforts to boost socio-economic growth and unconditionally assist the government in curbing all illegal activities that hinder investor confidence, economic stability and growth.
Expressing satisfaction with the Army’s commitment to national security, Army Chief General Munir stressed the importance of maintaining high standards of professionalism and operational preparedness.
In his concluding remarks, the army chief asserted that Pakistan Army has always been fully prepared to thwart all internal and external challenges and play its due role in the stability and prosperity of the country irrespective of the challenges posed, the army's media wing added.
