Army pledges support for economic stability

The top military brass on Thursday pledged to “wholeheartedly” assist the government in curbing all illegal activities that impede the economic stability, growth and investors’ confidence.

The resolve was expressed during the 259th Corps Commanders' Conference at the General Headquarters, presided over by Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir.

“[The] Forum reiterated to continue full support of ongoing efforts in uplifting the socioeconomic growth under the umbrella of Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) and wholeheartedly assisting the government in curbing all illegal activities which hamper economic stability, growth and investors' confidence,” the Inter-Services Public Relations said in a statement.

Furthermore, the need for speedy development of the economic potential of the Newly Merged Districts (NMDs) and Border Districts of Balochistan to ensure sustainable peace and growth was underscored.

According to the ISPR, the conference also paid tribute to the sacrifices of martyrs, including officers, men of the armed forces, law enforcement agencies, and citizens who laid down their lives for Pakistan's safety, security, and territorial integrity.

During the conference, Fateha was offered for the martyrs, and it was reiterated that the State of Pakistan and the armed forces would continue to hold the Shuhadas (martyrs) and their families in the highest esteem, honouring them with the utmost respect and dignity.

The commemorations of Defence and Martyrs Day on September 6, celebrated across the country by all segments of society, were praised. The armed forces expressed their gratitude to the proud nation for this show of solidarity.

Participants at the conference reiterated the Pakistan Army's resolve to defend the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the nation against all forms of direct and indirect threats.

They reaffirmed their commitment to thwart inimical propagandists' desperate attempts to sow discord between state institutions and the public.

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“[The] Forum re-affirmed that inimical propagandists' desperate attempts to cause wedge between the state institutions and public are indicative of their mounting desperation and will only result into more humiliation of such elements, InshaAllah (God willing),” the ISPR statement said.

The attendees were briefed on the prevailing geo-strategic environment, the challenges to national security, and the country's strategy in response to evolving threats.

The conference resolved that all terrorists, their facilitators, and abettors, operating on behalf of hostile forces to destabilise Pakistan, would be met with the full might of the state.

The COAS emphasised the importance of maintaining high standards of professionalism and motivation during operations, as well as achieving excellence during the training of the formations.

The conference also commended commanders for their unwavering focus on the well-being of their soldiers and the maintenance of morale, which is the foundation of the army's operational readiness.

A day earlier, the armed forces repelled a cross-border raid from Afghanistan by a large group of terrorists equipped with latest weapons targeting two military posts located in the general area of Kalash in Chitral district.

During an exchange of fire, at least 12 terrorists were killed while four Pakistani soldiers embraced martyrdom, according to the military’s media wing.

The ISPR in a statement said that owing to heightened threat environment, security was already on high alert. “The valiant soldiers fought bravely and repulsed the attacks inflicting heavy casualties to the terrorists. During the fire exchange, twelve terrorists were sent to hell, while a large number has been critically injured.”

It further noted that the interim Afghan government was expected to fulfill its obligations and deny the use of Afghan soil by terrorists for perpetuating acts of terrorism against Pakistan.