Rawalpindi, 2 October, 2026 (Kamran Raja): Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces (COAS & CDF), chaired the 277th Corps Commanders’ Conference at General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi, where military leadership reviewed the prevailing security environment, counter-terrorism operations and operational preparedness. The conference began with Fateha for the Shuhada of the Armed Forces, law enforcement agencies and civil society who sacrificed their lives in service to the country. The participants paid tribute to their sacrifices and reaffirmed the importance of maintaining a high state of readiness amid the evolving security situation. The forum reiterated Pakistan’s stated right to self-defence and targeted action against terrorism emanating from Afghanistan, while holding the Taliban leadership responsible for the consequences of facilitating terrorism, according to the military’s position. Commanders appreciated sustained intelligence-based counter-terrorism operations and stressed that these efforts should be complemented by people-centred governance, public engagement, dismantling of the alleged terror-crime nexus and enhanced police capabilities under the National Action Plan and Vision Azm-e-Istehkam.
The commanders also underscored the importance of internal stability and stated that any attempt to create a situation similar to the May 9 unrest, regardless of the pretext, would be met with decisive action under the rule of law without discrimination. The forum welcomed the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye, describing it as a step contributing to strategic and collective defence ties, while strongly condemning Houthi attacks against Saudi Arabia and reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to safeguarding the security and sanctity of Haramain Sharifain. On Kashmir, the military leadership reiterated Pakistan’s stated position on Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir and its support for a resolution in accordance with relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people. In his concluding remarks, Field Marshal Asim Munir commended military formations for their operational preparedness and professionalism and directed commanders to maintain momentum in intelligence-based operations, enhance training, absorb modern technologies and strengthen integration across multiple operational domains. He expressed confidence that the Armed Forces, with the support of the nation, remained fully prepared to safeguard Pakistan’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and national security.