Rawalpindi: The Formation Commanders Conference has urged the federal government to enact strict laws and regulations to curb hate speech under the guise of unrestrained freedom of expression.
The 84th Formation Commanders Conference, presided over by Army Chief General Asim Munir, was held for two days and attended by corps commanders, principal staff officers, and all formation commanders of the army. The forum began with a prayer for the martyrs, paying tribute to the fallen soldiers of the Pakistan Armed Forces, security personnel who were martyred during recent violent protests, law enforcement agencies, and Pakistani civilians.
Solidarity with Kashmir and Palestine
The forum condemned the human rights violations by India in Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir and reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering political, diplomatic, and moral support for the Kashmiri people. Participants also expressed solidarity with the Palestinian people, strongly condemning the ongoing atrocities in Gaza and supporting international legal measures to end the military aggression in the region.
Operational Readiness and Counter-Terrorism Measures
Participants were briefed on the current situation concerning both external and internal threats. The conference reviewed the army’s operational preparedness to counter traditional and unconventional threats. It also assessed the ongoing counter-terrorism operations and focused specifically on operations against terrorists, especially the Majid Brigade, in Balochistan. The forum reaffirmed its commitment to neutralize terrorists, their facilitators, and those who encourage terrorism.
Concerns Over Propaganda and Misuse of Freedom of Expression
The forum expressed concern over the ongoing propaganda against the military’s legal deployment in Islamabad. It clarified that the army had been deployed to secure important government buildings in the capital, emphasizing that the propaganda was a reflection of some political elements’ malicious agendas. The aim of this propaganda is to create divisions within the public, armed forces, and institutions.
The forum called on the government to enact strict laws to combat hate speech and fake news under the pretext of freedom of expression. It also stressed the need to identify and bring to justice those responsible for spreading false news and sowing social divisions for political and financial gains.
Stance on Afghanistan and Terrorism
The forum raised concerns over the use of Afghan soil by terrorists, particularly the Khawarij group, against Pakistan. It emphasized that mutual progress and benefiting from cooperation are in the best interests of both neighboring Islamic countries. The Afghan interim government was urged to take clear actions to prevent its territory from being used for terrorism.
The forum reiterated its commitment to support the development efforts of the brave people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, and to continue backing social and economic initiatives aimed at their welfare. It also pledged continued support for the government’s efforts to promote economic development and crack down on illegal activities, particularly in combating the nexus between terrorism and crime.
Army’s Commitment to National Security
At the conclusion of the conference, Army Chief General Asim Munir emphasized the army’s steadfast commitment to addressing national challenges and safeguarding the country from both internal and external threats. He reiterated that the military will continue to protect the country, with no tolerance for efforts that attempt to pit innocent civilians against one another or use violence as a weapon.
