Pakistan military’s top brass on Friday warned that any agitation to create disturbance similar to May 9, 2023, would be dealt with “decisive force”, two days ahead of a planned long march to the capital by supporters of jailed former premier Imran Khan.
Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir presided over the 277th Corps Commanders’ Conference at General Headquarters, Rawalpindi.
According to a statement by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the forum reviewed the prevailing security environment and resolved to maintain a high state of readiness.
It “underscored the importance of internal stability and resolved that any attempt to cause agitation or create a 9th May-like situation, on any pretext whatsoever, will be dealt with decisive force and rule of law”.
On May 9, 2023, the supporters of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan took to the streets in response to his arrest, creating law and order situation by allegedly attacking state property and defence installations.
The commanders also affirmed Pakistan’s right to self-defence and targeted action against terrorism emanating from Afghanistan.The forum also welcomed the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye, noting its contribution to longstanding strategic and collective defence ties.
The federal government and PTI leaders held talks on Friday to defuse political tensions ahead of the opposition party’s planned long march to Islamabad on Sunday.
PTI spokesperson Zulfiqar Bukhari said the party’s key demands include an “immediate” meeting with Khan and a decision to take him to a hospital where his personal doctors can examine him.
The party also demanded the release of Khan’s sisters and others arrested ahead of the protest, a proper medical check-up of his wife Bushra Bibi and that their cases be heard properly without interference.
The government has stepped up security arrangements, with shipping containers placed on roads leading to Islamabad and mobilisation of additional police personnel.
