Army's top brass warns any 'May 9-like situation' will be met with 'decisive force'
Army’s top brass warns any ‘May 9-like situation’ will be met with ‘decisive force’
The army’s top brass warned on Friday that any attempt to create a May 9-like situation would be met with decisive force, according to the military’s media wing.
The warning was issued at the 277th Corps Commanders’ Conference in Rawalpindi, presided over by Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir.
“[The] forum underscored the importance of internal stability and resolved that any attempt to cause agitation or create [a] May 9-like situation, on any pretext whatsoever, will be dealt with decisive force and rule of law, without hesitation and discrimination,” the Inter-Services Public Relations said in a statement.
Army decisive force warning on May 9-like unrest comes before PTI march
The warning lands two days before the PTI’s planned October 4 march on Islamabad. The first round of talks between the government’s and the opposition’s negotiating committees ended on Friday, with both sides agreeing to meet again on Saturday, when the PTI will formally present its demands.
The reference is to the May 9, 2023 riots, when violent protests erupted across the country after the arrest of former prime minister Imran Khan. Mobs attacked military installations, including the Lahore Corps Commander’s residence, known as Jinnah House, and monuments to fallen soldiers.
The forum reviewed the security landscape and resolved to maintain a “high state of readiness”. It praised successful counter-terrorism operations but stressed the need to combine kinetic and non-kinetic measures.
These included people-centric governance at the grassroot level, strategic engagement with the public, dismantling of the terror-crime nexus operating under the patronage of vested interests, and police capacity building, in line with the National Action Plan and Vision Azm-i-Istehkam.
Forum backs targeted action against terrorism from Afghanistan
Affirming Pakistan’s right to self-defence, the forum noted the need for targeted action against terrorism emanating from Afghanistan. It said that “only the Taliban’s delusional leadership, facilitating terrorism on behalf of India, bears responsibility for its consequences”.
The conference also welcomed the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye, and its contribution to longstanding strategic and collective defence ties.
“It (the forum) strongly resented Houthi attacks against Saudi Arabia, expressed solidarity with the kingdom and affirmed Pakistan’s commitment to the security and sanctity of the Haramain Sharifain,” the ISPR added.
The forum reiterated Pakistan’s position on Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir and expressed support for resolving the Kashmir dispute in line with relevant UN Security Council resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.
In his concluding remarks, Field Marshal Munir commended the formations for their operational preparedness and professionalism. He directed the commanders to strengthen intelligence-based operations and enhance combat capabilities through modern technology, training and multi-domain integration.
“He expressed confidence that the Armed Forces, with unwavering support of the nation, remain fully prepared to safeguard Pakistan’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and national security,” the ISPR said.
The forum also offered prayers for the martyrs of the armed forces, law enforcement agencies and civil society, and paid tribute to their sacrifices.
FAQs
What did the army’s top brass say about a May 9-like situation?
The 277th Corps Commanders’ Conference resolved that any attempt to cause agitation or create a May 9-like situation, on any pretext, would be dealt with decisive force and rule of law, without hesitation and discrimination.
Who presided over the 277th Corps Commanders’ Conference?
Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir presided over the conference at the General Headquarters in Rawalpindi on October 2, 2026.
What is the May 9 reference about?
May 9, 2023 saw violent protests across Pakistan after Imran Khan’s arrest, with mobs attacking military installations including Jinnah House in Lahore. Dozens of people were later tried in military courts over the attacks.
Why is the warning significant now?
It comes two days before the PTI’s planned October 4 march on Islamabad, while the government and opposition are holding negotiations to defuse the standoff.
