Daily Times

In recent times, terrorists have launched repeated attacks on the Pakistan Army, during which numerous soldiers have embraced martyrdom while fulfilling their duty to defend the homeland.

These soldiers have sacrificed their lives to ensure Pakistan’s integrity and security. For some time now, the Pakistan Army has also been the target of criticism. However, the critics forget that it is the same army whose soldiers are risking their lives to maintain peace and normality in the country. Since terrorists have found safe havens in Afghanistan, they have been persistently attempting to infiltrate Pakistan and carry out major terrorist activities. However, the Pakistan Army’s intelligence agencies, by monitoring their movements promptly, are working tirelessly to thwart these ruthless actions.

Meanwhile, reports indicate that terrorists are conspiring to disrupt Pakistan’s peace by inciting sectarianism. There is no doubt that these terrorists are being backed by India, which aims to portray Pakistan as a failed state. India’s attempts to revive terrorism are part of its broader strategy to destabilize Pakistan. The enemy seeks to foster hatred against the Pakistan Army among the public and weaken its intelligence agencies, creating opportunities for their nefarious plans.

This concern was addressed during the 84th Formation Commanders’ Conference chaired by the Army Chief, where anti-army propaganda during protests in Islamabad was discussed. At the Corps Commanders’ Conference, chaired by Army Chief General Syed Hafiz Asim Munir, participants expressed concerns over malicious propaganda against the army’s lawful deployments and its efforts to safeguard key government buildings in the capital, as well as providing a secure environment for visiting foreign dignitaries.

Critics forget that it is the same army whose soldiers are risking their lives to maintain peace and normality in the country.

The participants noted that this orchestrated and pre-planned propaganda reflects the nefarious motives of certain political elements aiming to create divisions between the people, the armed forces, and institutions. They emphasized that such efforts, supported by external elements, will never succeed. The forum urged the government to establish strict laws and regulations to curb the spread of venomous rhetoric, lies, and societal discord under the guise of freedom of expression. The participants stressed the need to identify and bring to justice those who spread fake news for political and financial gains.

According to the statement, the Pakistan Army continues to serve the nation impartially and without political affiliations, remaining committed to defending the country against all internal and external threats. The forum declared that any attempts to pit innocent citizens against one another or use violence as a weapon for personal gain would not be tolerated.

A few days ago, Army Chief General Syed Hafiz Asim Munir reiterated his determination to defeat conspiracies aimed at creating rifts between the public and the armed forces. He emphasized the army’s commitment to strengthening its bond with the people through the selfless fulfilment of its constitutional responsibilities.

Those propagating against the Pakistan Army should understand that there is no place for enemies of Pakistan and its armed forces. Attempts to tarnish the army’s reputation will not succeed. As a resilient, proud, and sovereign nation, our armed forces are fully aware of internal and external threats. We firmly believe that our military will never allow instability or terrorism to spread within our society.

Our armed forces are always vigilant and prepared to thwart the cowardly attacks of the enemy. Their unwavering commitment demonstrates that, with the support of Pakistan’s people, the armed forces will spare no effort in defending the sacred homeland.

The enemy’s propaganda against the Pakistan Army is destined to fail matter the circumstances, Pakistan’s people love their army, and just as it has eliminated terrorists in the past, the Pakistan Army will continue to prevent terrorism from taking root in the country in the future. It is now also the government’s responsibility to curb elements targeting the Pakistan Army for political purposes and using it as a scapegoat for their political failures.

The writer is an old Aitchisonian who believes in freedom of expression, a freelance columnist, entrepreneur and social activist.