Pakistan’s military leadership has warned that any attempt to create unrest or a situation similar to the May 9, 2023, violence will be met with “decisive force” and action under the rule of law.
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The warning came during the 277th Corps Commanders’ Conference, chaired by Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir at General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi on Friday, October 2, 2026, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
The military’s media wing said the forum reviewed the prevailing security environment and emphasised the importance of maintaining internal stability.
According to the ISPR statement, the forum resolved that any attempt to trigger agitation or create a May 9-like situation, regardless of the stated reason, would be dealt with firmly and in accordance with the law.
The conference also offered Fateha for members of the armed forces, law enforcement agencies and civilians who lost their lives in service to the country. Participants paid tribute to their sacrifices.
The military leadership reaffirmed Pakistan’s stated right to self-defence and targeted action against terrorism originating from Afghanistan.
The forum also called for counterterrorism operations to be supported by non-military measures, including improved governance at the grassroots level, public engagement, stronger police capacity and action against links between terrorism and organised crime. These measures were described as being in line with the National Action Plan and Vision Azm-e-Istehkam.
The reference to May 9 relates to the unrest that followed the arrest of former prime minister Imran Khan on May 9, 2023. Protests took place in several cities, and demonstrators attacked or damaged military and government installations. The violence resulted in deaths, arrests and subsequent legal proceedings.
The latest ISPR statement did not name a particular political party in connection with its warning.
The conference welcomed the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye, describing it as a development in the countries’ longstanding strategic and collective defence relations.
The forum also condemned Houthi attacks against Saudi Arabia, expressed solidarity with the Kingdom and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to the security and sanctity of the Haramain Sharifain.
The military leadership reiterated Pakistan’s position that the Kashmir dispute should be resolved in accordance with relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.
In his concluding remarks, Field Marshal Asim Munir praised the formations for their operational preparedness and professionalism.
He directed commanders to strengthen intelligence-based operations and improve combat capabilities through modern technology, training and greater integration across operational domains.
According to the ISPR, he expressed confidence that the armed forces, with the support of the nation, remained prepared to safeguard Pakistan’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and national security.
