Army brass are calling for regional restraint

CCC highlights need for collective responsibility Commanders review security, border situation Preparedness, counter-t

ISLAMABAD:

As the Iran-US ceasefire hangs in the balance amid escalating moves by both sides, Pakistan’s top military leadership on Tuesday called for restraint and avoidance of escalation, warning that fast-moving geopolitical developments could have far-reaching implications for regional stability.

The announcement came during the 275th Corps Commanders’ Conference (CCC), chaired by the Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defense Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir at the headquarters in Rawalpindi, where the country’s overall security environment, both internal and external, was reviewed in detail.

Without explicitly mentioning the tensions between Iran and the United States, while considering the broader regional situation, the top military leader noted that new geopolitical developments have significant implications and stressed that peace and stability are inextricably linked to “collective restraint, responsibility and respect for sovereignty.”

The emphasis on restraint comes as the ceasefire brokered by Pakistan between Iran and the US remains finely tuned, raising fears of a renewed conflict in the Gulf region. A series of developments, including the renewed battle over the Strait of Hormuz and reported attacks on the UAE, have threatened peace efforts.

Pakistan, a key mediator, is in contact with key actors and other stakeholders to ensure that the ceasefire holds and the diplomatic process is not derailed.

But the carefully worded statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) after the Corps Commanders’ Conference suggested that Islamabad was concerned about the rapidly developing situation.

According to the ISPR, the forum recognized Pakistan’s continued responsible role in promoting stability and supporting efforts to prevent further deterioration of the situation. It reiterated that peace and stability in the region were inextricably linked to collective restraint, responsibility and respect for sovereignty.

The conference began with a tribute to the martyrs of the armed forces, law enforcement agencies and civilians, recognizing their sacrifices as the foundation of Pakistan’s national security, unity and resilience.

Expressing satisfaction with the operational readiness and combat readiness of the armed forces, the military leadership commended commanders for their vigilance and success in ongoing intelligence-led counter-terrorism operations across the country. The forum decided to maintain the current operational tempo to dismantle terrorist networks, disrupt their support infrastructure and deny them any operational space.

A central focus of the meeting was the security situation along the western border. The forum noted the continued dismantling of terrorist networks under Operation Ghazab Lil Haq, but expressed concern over the Afghan Taliban regime’s policy of providing safe havens to “Khawarij and other terrorist organizations”. It said such policies were “increasingly backfiring” and stood exposed.

Participants also noted the Afghan Taliban’s “propaganda campaign” to falsely accuse Pakistan of targeting civilians inside Afghanistan. The forum dismissed these claims as “frivolous” and part of a coordinated disinformation strategy aimed at diverting attention from internal failures.

It reiterated that Pakistan’s actions remain “focused, precise and exclusively targeted at infiltrators, terrorist hideouts and support infrastructure”.

The forum also marked the first anniversary of Marka-e-Haq, describing it as a defining moment that reflected national unity and an unyielding commitment to defend sovereignty.

On the Eastern front, the conference condemned the ongoing human rights violations in Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir, reaffirming Pakistan’s diplomatic, political and moral support to the Kashmiri people.

It said the commemoration sends a clear message that Pakistan remains “united, resilient and fully prepared,” highlighting the unity of the state, its people and the armed forces as “Bunyanum Marsoos” against all threats.

In his concluding remarks, Field Marshal Munir directed the commanders to maintain the highest levels of vigilance and adaptability in the face of changing threats, emphasizing professional expertise, integrated response mechanisms and proactive measures to meet both conventional and non-conventional challenges.

The conference came at a critical juncture as Islamabad sought to balance its internal security priorities while advocating regional de-escalation amid intensifying Iran-US tensions.

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