Top commanders slam criticism of ‘Azm-e-Istehkam’

The top army brass noted with concern the unwarranted criticism of ‘Azm-e-Istehkam’ by some quarters and the deliberate misrepresentation of the vision only for furthering their vested interests, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on Friday.

The ISPR said that the 265th Corps Commanders’ Conference (CCC), held at the General Headquarters (GHQ), paid rich tributes to the supreme sacrifices of the Shuhada of the armed forces, law-enforcement agencies and the citizens, who laid down their lives for peace and stability in the country.

Army Chief Gen Asim Munir chaired the CCC, according to the media wing of the military. The forum undertook a comprehensive review of the internal and external security situation of the country and held detailed discussion on various aspects of ‘Azm-e-Istehkam’.

“Azm-e-Istehkam is aimed at harnessing the national counter-terrorism efforts in a synchronised manner to dismantle the nexus of terrorism and illegal spectrum in the country for enduring stability and economic prosperity,” the ISPR said in a press release.

“The forum noted with concern the unwarranted criticism by some quarters and deliberate misrepresentation of the vision, only for furthering their vested interests,” it added.

The forum underscored that onslaught of politically-motivated digital terrorism, unleashed by conspirators, and duly abetted by their foreign cohorts against the state institutions was meant to induce despondency in the nation and sow discord by peddling blatant lies, fake news and propaganda.

However, according to the ISPR press release, “the armed forces along with the nation are fully aware of all such machinations and stand united and committed to defeating the notorious designs of the enemies of Pakistan”.

“The 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 Pakistan, regardless of the challenges posed,” Gen Munir told the forum, according to the ISPR press release.

The forum deliberated on the regional security situation, especially Afghanistan, and reaffirmed its commitment to regional peace and security. The CCC expressed solidarity with the people of Kashmir and Palestine, and condemned human rights violations, war crimes and genocide in Kashmir and Gaza.

The forum affirmed that the military leadership was cognisant of the full spectrum of the challenges and resolved to shoulder its constitutionally-mandated responsibilities with the support of the resilient people of Pakistan, according to the ISPR.

The media wing of the military said that the forum reiterated its continued support for the ongoing efforts for uplifting the socioeconomic growth and wholeheartedly assisting the government in curbing all illegal activities, which hampered investors’ confidence, economic stability and growth.

The ISPR said that the chief of army staff expressed full satisfaction with the army’s commitment to national security. The army chief stressed upon maintaining high standards of professionalism and operational preparedness.