Military dismisses ‘unwarranted criticism’ of new operation

• ISPR says operation aimed at harnessing counter-terrorism efforts.
• Army pledges to fight “digital terrorism” against state institutions. 
• Military top brass also deliberated upon regional security situation.

The top military brass on Friday denounced the undue criticism against the newly launched anti-terrorism operation, Azm-e-Istehkam (Resolve for Stability), stating that the “vision” was being misrepresented deliberately for “vested interests”.

The statement came after the 265th Corps Commanders’ Conference (CCC) held at the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi with Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir in the chair, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

It said the forum undertook a comprehensive review of the internal and external security situation of the country and had a detailed discussion on various aspects of “Azm-e-Istehkam”.

The military’s media wing said the new operation 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.

“Forum noted with concern the unwarranted criticism by some quarters and deliberate misrepresentation of the vision, only for furthering their vested interests,” said the ISPR. 

“The forum affirmed that military leadership is 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,” it added. 

The military vowed to combat “digital terrorism” conspirators abetted by foreign cohorts.

“Forum underscored that onslaught of politically motivated digital terrorism, unleashed by conspirators, duly abetted by their foreign cohorts against state institutions is meant to induce despondency in the nation and sow discord through peddling of blatant lies, fake news and propaganda,” the military’s media wing said.

It said that the armed forces and the nation are fully aware of all such machinations and stand united and committed to defeating the “notorious designs of the enemies”.

Moreover, the military top brass also deliberated upon the regional security situation, especially Afghanistan, and reaffirmed its commitment to regional peace and security.

They expressed solidarity with the people of Kashmir and Palestine and condemned serious human rights violations, war crimes and genocide being perpetrated in Kashmir and Gaza.

The forum paid rich tribute to the supreme sacrifices of martyrs of the armed forces, Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs) and the citizens of Pakistan who have laid their lives for peace and stability in the country.

It also renewed the resolve to continue full support of ongoing efforts in uplifting socioeconomic growth and wholeheartedly assisting the government in curbing all illegal activities that hamper investors’ confidence, economic stability and growth.

Expressing satisfaction with the army’s commitment to national security, COAS Gen Munir stressed upon maintaining high standards of professionalism and operational preparedness.

In his concluding remarks, the army chief stated that 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 the country, regardless of the challenges posed, the military’s media wing added.