Army backs Palestinians in Israel-Gaza conflict

The top military brass on Tuesday expressed deep concern about the adverse developments taking place in the Gaza-Israel conflict and the enormous human cost being imposed on innocent civilians due to the disproportionate use of force by Israel.

The concern was expressed during the 260th Corps Commanders’ Conference held at the General Headquarters (GHQ) Rawalpindi, where Chief of Army Staff General Syed Asim Munir extended “diplomatic, moral and political support of the Pakistani nation” to the principled stance of Palestinians, according to a statement issued by Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

He commended the efforts of Palestinians, whom he referred to as brothers who were enduring resolution of the long-standing issue in the face of unlawful occupation of their territories and Muslims’ sacred places.

Meanwhile, the participants offered Fateha for the martyrs of Mastung, Hangu, and Zhob incidents during the holy month of Rabiul Awwal.

The forum also paid rich tribute to the supreme sacrifices being continuously offered by the security forces and law enforcement agencies (LEAs) in defence of the motherland while fighting the menace of terrorism.

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Participants also resolved that all terrorists, their facilitators, and abettors working at the behest of hostile forces to destabilise Pakistan will be dealt with unflinching resolve of the state.

The participants were also briefed on the prevalent geo-strategic environment, challenges to national security, and their own strategy in response to the evolving threats.

The huddle reiterated Pakistan Army’s resolve to defend the “sovereignty and territorial integrity of Pakistan against all kinds of direct and indirect threats”.

The participants vowed to fully support the strategic initiatives planned by the caretaker government for the revival of the economy by providing all possible support which would benefit the people of Pakistan.

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The forum also took a holistic review of the ongoing actions being taken against illegal economic activities. The COAS emphasised that “Pakistan Army will continue to provide all-out support to the government and LEAs in taking strict lawful actions against illegal economic activities across the country”.

“Actions against hoarding and smuggling mafias and cartels in different domains will be further strengthened in the coming days to rid the country of the negative impact of such ill practices,” they pledged.

It also resolved to fully support the federal government’s decision to repatriate and deport all illegal foreigners from Nov 1, 2023 onwards.

For this, the army chief directed all concerned to support and facilitate smooth, respectable, and safe repatriation/deportation of all illegal foreigners.

He also stressed on maintaining high standards of professionalism and motivation during operations and achieving excellence during the training of the formations.