ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s top military brass warned on Wednesday that it would not tolerate politics creating divisions between the armed forces and the people, and which undermines national security and stability.
The statement was released by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Pakistan military’s media wing, after Chief of Defense Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir presided over the 273rd Corps Commanders Conference (CC) at the General Headquarters of the military in Rawalpindi on Wednesday.
The development takes place amid increased tensions between Pakistan’s powerful military and former prime minister Imran Khan and his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party. Earlier this month, Pakistan’s military spokesperson said in a hard-hitting press conference that Khan’s frequent criticism of the armed forces was becoming a “national security threat,” warning of a severe response.
“The Forum categorically rejected the nexus between terrorism, crime, and vested political interests,” the ISPR said in a statement.
“It resolved that no malicious interest, political or otherwise, aimed at undermining national unity, security and stability would be tolerated, nor would anyone be allowed to create divisions between the Armed Forces and the people of Pakistan.”
The CCC also reviewed Pakistan’s prevailing internal and external security environment, with particular emphasis on evolving threats and operational preparedness, the military’s media wing said.
The commanders paid tribute to the armed forces for conducting several intelligence-based counter-terrorism operations across the country in recent months.
“The participants reaffirmed that all terrorists under the tutelage of Indian sponsors, along with their facilitators and abettors, would be dealt with decisively and without exception,” the statement said.
Pakistan accuses India of supporting militant attacks in its territory, a charge that New Delhi denies.
Khan, who is in jail since August 2023 on charges that he says are politically motivated, has criticized the military since he was ousted from the prime minister’s office via a parliamentary vote in April 2022. Khan blames the military for colluding with his political rivals to orchestrate his ouster, a charge the army denies.
The former prime minister alleges he is being denied basic rights at the prison in Rawalpindi where he is incarcerated at the behest of the military and the government.
Both deny the allegations, with the military specifically saying it does not interfere in political matters.
