Military top brass cautions India against testing 'new normal of swift, retributive response'

The military’s top brass has expressed grave concerns over the recent irresponsible and unwarranted provocative statements made by Indian civil and military leadership, issuing a stern warning to counter any Indian aggression with a swift and decisive response.

Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Field Marshal Asim Munir, presided over the 272nd Corps Commanders’ Conference (CCC) at General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi on Wednesday.

According to Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the CCC expressed serious concerns regarding the recent provocative statements by the Indian leadership, stating that such rhetoric aligns with India's historical tendency to stir war hysteria for political gain.

“Such rhetoric conforms to the well-known Indian propensity for whipping up war hysteria for political benefits,” ISPR said.

The participants agreed that such unwarranted warmongering would heighten tensions, endangering regional peace and security.

“Any imaginary new normal will be met with a new normal of swift retributive response,” the CCC pledged, vowing to counter any Indian aggression swiftly and decisively, shattering the perception of India's safety afforded by geography.

ISPR further stated that during the conference, COAS Asim Munir commended the spirit, resolve, and determination of the Pakistan Armed Forces in combating foreign-sponsored terror proxies and in conducting extensive relief and rescue operations following the recent floods, in coordination with the civil administration and law enforcement agencies.

“The forum undertook a comprehensive review of ongoing counter-terrorism operations, the emerging threat paradigm, and operational readiness,” ISPR added.

The forum reaffirmed that the Armed Forces remain ready to thwart adversarial designs against Pakistan across all domains.

“The existing nexus between terror and crime, with vested political patronage, which is gravely hurting the state and the security of its people, will not be allowed to continue, come what may,” the CCC resolved.

Participants expressed their resolve to pursue comprehensive counterterrorism operations across all domains, aiming to dismantle the networks of Indian-sponsored terror proxies, such as Fitna al-Khawarij and Fitna al-Hindustan.

ISPR also mentioned that the forum acknowledged the significance of Pakistan’s recent high-level diplomatic engagements and reaffirmed its commitment to global and regional peace.

The CCC welcomed the landmark Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, which aims to strengthen strategic relations and enhance multi-domain cooperation for a joint response to any external aggression.

“This agreement underscores shared values, mutual respect, and a joint vision for peace and security in the Middle Eastern and South Asian regions,” ISPR added.

The forum reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering support for the legitimate struggle of the Kashmiri people for their right to self-determination, as enshrined in relevant UN Security Council resolutions.

It also reaffirmed Pakistan’s steadfast support for the Palestinian cause and called for an immediate ceasefire and the delivery of humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza, according to ISPR.

The military brass reiterated Pakistan’s principled stance on the Palestine issue, voicing support for the two-state solution with an independent Palestinian state based on pre-1967 borders, with Al Quds Al Sharif as its capital.

During the conference, COAS Asim Munir directed the commanders to ensure the highest standards of operational readiness, discipline, physical fitness, innovation, and responsiveness. He expressed full confidence in the operational preparedness of the Pakistan Army to counter threats across the entire spectrum, from conventional and sub-conventional, to hybrid and asymmetric threats.

The forum also offered Fateha for the martyrs of recent terrorist attacks orchestrated by Indian terror proxies.