By Aishma Gul
“The strength of the nation lies in the unity of its people and the resolve of its defenders.”
General Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff (COAS), chaired the 84th Formation Commanders Conference, a two-day gathering of senior military officials, including Corps Commanders, Principal Staff Officers, and Formation Commanders, at the General Headquarters (GHQ).
Attendees reviewed the army’s readiness to face new threats. They discussed progress in counterterrorism efforts, especially in Balochistan, and focused on disrupting groups like BLA Majeed Brigade, that aim to destabilize Pakistan. The forum strongly condemned human rights violations in Kashmir and Gaza, expressing solidarity and support for the people affected by these injustices.
Cross-Border Terrorism from Afghan Territory
Serious concerns were expressed about terrorist groups, such as Fitna Al Khwarij, utilizing Afghan soil to target Pakistan. Afghan authorities were urged to take concrete steps to prevent their land from being used for hostile activities. Stressing mutual interests, the importance of peaceful collaboration between the two neighboring Islamic nations was emphasized. Recent incidents, such as the suicide bombing by an Afghan national that claimed the lives of five Chinese engineers, underscore the gravity of this issue.
Addressing Misinformation and Divisiveness
A significant part of the discussions centered around the increasing spread of hostile propaganda against Pakistan’s Armed Forces. The conference noted deliberate efforts to create divisions between the Army and the public, driven by internal political factions as well as external adversaries. The Army strongly condemned attempts to undermine national unity, describing them as deliberate moves to destabilize the nation. These attempts include cyber-attacks, extremist recruitment, and harmful propaganda.
The forum underscored the need for stricter laws and regulations to prevent the uncontrolled and unethical misuse of freedom of expression. It emphasized that individuals spreading fake news for political or financial gain must be identified and held accountable.
Such measures are exemplified in Singapore’s Protection from Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act (POFMA), also known as the Fake News Law. Passed in 2019, POFMA aims to protect the public from online harm by countering the spread of false information. The UK and EU have also implemented similar laws, holding digital platforms accountable and imposing severe penalties for spreading false information.
Socioeconomic Development in KP and Balochistan
Beyond security concerns, the forum also reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to advancing socioeconomic development in regions like Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan. It pledged ongoing support for federal and provincial programs aimed at improving the quality of life in these resilient areas, which have been at the forefront of the fight against terrorism.
The Army further resolved to assist the government in ensuring economic stability by combating unlawful activities, including those tied to the terror-crime nexus. It stressed the importance of fostering an environment that promotes growth and prosperity.
A Commitment to Stability
In closing, General Asim Munir underlined the importance of professionalism, readiness, and an unyielding dedication to Pakistan’s security and stability. He assured that the Army would continue to protect the nation under all circumstances, addressing both traditional and emerging challenges.
The 84th Formation Commanders Conference stands as a testament to the Pakistan Army’s unwavering commitment to preserving peace and stability. By tackling a wide array of issues—from counterterrorism to socioeconomic progress—the Armed Forces reaffirm their role as a cornerstone of national unity and advancement.