RAWALPINDI:
Amid a series of provocative statements from India following the May 9 setback, Pakistan’s top army commanders on Wednesday vowed to counter any future Indian aggression “with a swift and decisive response, destroying any perceived notion that India’s relative security derives from geography.”
“Any imagined ‘new normal’ will be met by a new normal of rapid repressive response,” the military leadership said, according to a statement issued after the 272nd Corps Commanders’ Conference held at the General Headquarters (GHQ) with Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir in the chair.
“The forum expressed serious concerns over the recent irresponsible and unjustified statements of provocation by Indian civil and military leaders. Such rhetoric fits with the well-known Indian propensity to stoke war hysteria for political gains,” read the statement issued by the ISPR. “Participants agreed that unjustified warmongering will likely lead to increased tensions and endanger regional peace and security.”
Earlier this week, Indian army chief General Upendra Dwivedi repeated familiar rhetoric, warning Pakistan to end so-called “state-sponsored terrorism” if it wanted to retain its place on the map. He added that Indian forces “will not show any restraint this time”, hinting at the possibility of another military misadventure. The Indian air force chief and some political leaders also made similar inflammatory statements.
Wednesday’s statement marked the Pakistan Army’s second warning to India to cease and desist from any military misadventure. In an earlier statement, the ISPR had warned that any future conflict with India could result in “cataclysmic devastation” as Pakistan’s military would “respond resolutely, without any scruple or restraint.”
“Those seeking to establish a new normal should know that Pakistan has established a new normal of response, one that will be swift, decisive and destructive,” the military’s media wing said.
There has been a sharp spike in terrorist violence in Pakistan, which officials say is being fueled by India’s spy agency under the “Doval Doctrine,” a subconventional warfare strategy that employs proxy militias, digital propaganda and economic sabotage to undermine Pakistan’s sovereignty.
Due to this fact, Pakistan has officially designated the terrorist groups operating in Balochistan as Fitna al-Hindustan, and those involved in the attacks in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa as Fitna al-Khawarij.
At Wednesday’s conference, the corps commanders expressed their determination to carry out comprehensive counter-terrorism operations in all domains to continue dismantling networks of Indian-sponsored terrorist proxies such as Fitna Al-Khawarij and Fitna Al-Hindustan. “The forum reaffirms that the armed forces remain ready to thwart the enemy designs of Pakistan’s adversaries at all levels,” the ISPR said.
He further stated that “the existing nexus between terrorism and crime will not be allowed to continue with a created political clientelism that is seriously damaging the interests of the State and the security of its people, no matter what happens.”
The forum recognized the importance of Pakistan’s recent high-level diplomatic engagements and reaffirmed commitment to global and regional peace.
The participants also welcomed the historic Strategic Mutual Defense Agreement between Pakistan and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which aims to strengthen strategic relations and enhance multi-domain cooperation for joint response to any external aggression, according to the ISPR. “This agreement underlines shared values, mutual respect and a joint vision for peace and security in the Middle East and South Asia regions.”
The Corps Commander reiterated Pakistan’s unconditional support for the legitimate struggle of the Kashmiri people for their right to self-determination, enshrined in the relevant UN Security Council resolutions.
They also reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering support for the Palestinian cause and hoped for an early ceasefire and delivery of humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza. The forum reiterated Pakistan’s principled stance on the Palestinian issue, expressing support for a two-state solution with an independent Palestinian state, based on pre-1967 borders and with Al Quds Al Sharif as its capital.
The Field Marshal praised the spirit, resolve and determination of the Pakistan Armed Forces in the war against foreign sponsored terrorist proxies and during extensive relief and rescue operations after the recent floods, in conjunction with the civil administration and other law enforcement agencies.
In his closing remarks, the army chief directed commanders to ensure the highest standards of operational readiness, discipline, physical fitness, innovation and responsiveness. He expressed full confidence in the operational preparedness of Pakistan Army to counter threats across the spectrum from conventional and sub-conventional to hybrid and asymmetric.
Earlier, the forum offered Fateha for the martyrs of the recent terror attacks orchestrated by representatives of Indian terrorism.
