FIELD MARSHAL’S STERN MESSAGE: PAKISTAN RESERVES RIGHT TO STRIKE TERROR HAVENS IN AFGHANISTAN, ZERO TOLERANCE FOR ANOTHER MAY 9*
*FIELD MARSHAL’S STERN MESSAGE: PAKISTAN RESERVES RIGHT TO STRIKE TERROR HAVENS IN AFGHANISTAN, ZERO TOLERANCE FOR ANOTHER MAY 9*
*By Irfan Tariq*
*Rawalpindi – 2 October 2026*
In a powerful and unequivocal message to both internal and external spoilers, Pakistan’s top military leadership on Thursday declared that targeted action against terrorism emanating from Afghanistan is Pakistan’s legitimate right to self-defence.
Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), HJ, Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces (COAS & CDF), presided over the 277th Corps Commanders’ Conference at the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi, where the country’s overall security matrix was reviewed in detail.
According to the ISPR, the forum started with Fateha for the Shuhada of the Armed Forces, Law Enforcement Agencies and innocent civilians who embraced martyrdom for the motherland, paying rich tribute to their supreme sacrifices.
*AFGHAN TALIBAN WARNED: YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE*
The forum delivered a blunt verdict on the surge in cross-border terrorism. It affirmed that only the delusional Taliban leadership, which is facilitating terrorism inside Pakistan on behalf of India, will bear full responsibility for its consequences.
The Corps Commanders resolved to maintain the highest state of operational readiness along the western border and appreciated the sustained, successful intelligence-based operations (IBOs) being conducted by the Army, ISI, Police and other LEAs.
However, the forum stressed that kinetic operations alone are not enough. In line with National Action Plan and Vision Azm-e-Istehkam, the forum emphasized non-kinetic measures, including people-centric governance at the grassroots level, strategic engagement with the public to counter extremist narratives, dismantling the dangerous terror-crime nexus running under the patronage of vested interests, and urgent police capacity building.
*RED LINE ON INTERNAL STABILITY*
In the most significant political-security signal, the forum underscored that internal stability is the bedrock of national security.
The forum 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 the full rule of law, without any hesitation and without any discrimination.*
The statement comes at a time when political temperatures are high in Islamabad ahead of opposition’s announced long march.
*MAKKAH PACT & SOLIDARITY WITH SAUDI ARABIA*
The top brass warmly welcomed the historic Makkah Joint Defence Agreement signed between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye, calling it a landmark contribution to longstanding strategic and collective defence ties of the Muslim world.
The forum also strongly resented the recent Houthi attacks against Saudi Arabia, expressed complete solidarity with the Kingdom, and reaffirmed Pakistan’s unflinching commitment to the security and sanctity of Haramain Sharifain.
On Kashmir, the forum reiterated Pakistan’s principled position on Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu & Kashmir (IIOJK) and demanded resolution of the dispute as per relevant UN Security Council resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.
*FIELD MARSHAL’S DIRECTIVES*
In his concluding remarks, Field Marshal Asim Munir commended formations for their operational preparedness and high morale. He directed commanders to further strengthen intelligence-based operations and enhance combat capabilities through rapid absorption of modern technology, rigorous training and multi-domain integration.
He expressed full confidence that with the unwavering support of the 240 million Pakistanis, the Armed Forces remain fully prepared to safeguard Pakistan’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and national security against all threats.
