No individual above law, asserts army brass

Top military commanders said on Tuesday that a strict adherence to accountability fortified the army's integrity and ensured that no individual was above the law or exempt from scrutiny, allowing no room for exceptions or partiality.

During the Corps Commanders Conference, chaired by Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir, the top army brass reviewed the security situation of the country with particular focus on the recent incidents of terrorism in Balochistan and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P), the military said in a statement.

The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in the statement that the commanders underscored that the Pakistan army, with the unwavering support of the people, would not allow the "hard-earned successes" against terrorism to be reversed.

"The forum emphasized that the Army is a disciplined institution, upholding the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and loyalty to the state and institution," it said, adding that the institution's well-established and rigorous system of accountability ensured that these values were preserved with unwavering commitment, allowing no room for exceptions or partiality.

"This strict adherence to accountability fortifies the Army's integrity, ensuring that no individual is above the law or exempt from scrutiny."

The conference was held more than a week after coordinated terrorist attacks rocked 10 different districts of Balochistan on August 26, killing scores of people. The deadliest terrorist attacks were claimed by the outlawed Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA). Security forces conducted intelligence-based operations to neutralise those who were behind the dastardly terrorist attacks.

The ISPR said that the participants offered Fateha and paid profound tributes to the ultimate sacrifices made by the Shuhada of the armed forces, law-enforcement agencies, and the citizens who laid down their lives in Balochistan and K-P in pursuit of peace and stability of Pakistan.

"In assessing the inimical forces, malicious actors, subversive proxies, and the facilitators of Pakistan's external and internal adversaries, particularly those active in Balochistan and KPK, the forum deliberated on a range of measures to neutralize these threats," read the ISPR statement.

The forum was briefed on the prevailing geo-strategic environment, national security challenges, and strategic and operational responses to emerging threats. "The forum reaffirmed that the Pakistan Army, with the unwavering support of the people, will not allow the hard-earned successes against terrorism to be reversed," the statement added.

Recognising the urgency and significance of a robust and effective legal system, the army chief emphasised that the army would continue to extend comprehensive support to the government, administrative apparatus, and law-enforcement agencies in taking swift and lawful action against terrorists, anarchists, and criminal mafias.

The forum expressed satisfaction over the ongoing efforts against illegal spectrum operating in collusion with terrorist networks. The critical need to safeguard national cyberspace through stringent cybersecurity measures was also underscored.

In a show of solidarity with the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), who continued to suffer gross human rights violations, the forum honoured the martyrs of the freedom movement.

The blatant continued violence and genocide of Palestinians by Israel were also condemned in the strongest terms. The forum expressed confidence in the operational preparedness and readiness of the army and vowed to continue to uphold the standards in pursuit of professional excellence.