Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir has said that Palestinians have the support of Pakistan and the country would back their principled stance for enduring resolution of the issue.

“The Palestinian people have the unequivocal diplomatic, moral, and political support of the Pakistani nation,” COAS Munir said while presiding over the Corps Commanders’ Conference held at GHQ, Rawalpindi on Tuesday.

“We will continue to support the principled stance of our brethren for enduring resolution of the Palestinian issue and end to the unlawful occupation of their territories and Muslims’ sacred places”.

In a statement, the Inter-Services Public Relations said that the forum viewed with concern the developments taking place in the Gaza-Israel war and the enormous human cost being imposed on the civilians due to the disproportionate use of force by Israel.

His statement comes as the United Nations warned Israel against the “forcible transfer of civilians” in the Gaza Strip, which could be in breach of international law.

Gaza-based Hamas fighters broke through Israel’s heavily fortified border on October 7, killing more than 1,400 people. Israel has responded with withering air strikes on Gaza that have killed at least 2,808 people.

At the meeting, participants offered prayers for the martyrs of Mastung, Hangu, and Zhob incidents during the holy month of Rabi’al-Awwal. The forum also paid rich tribute to the sacrifices rendered by the security forces and law enforcement agencies in defence of the motherland while fighting the menace of terrorism.

“Participants resolved that all terrorists, their facilitators, and abettors, working on the behest of hostile forces to destabilise Pakistan will be dealt with the unflinching resolve of the state,” said the ISPR.

The military’s media wing said that officials briefed the conference on the prevalent geo-strategic environment, challenges to national security, and own strategy in response to evolving threats.

The forum reiterated the Pakistan Army’s resolve to defend the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country against all kinds of direct and indirect threats.

“The participants vowed to fully support the strategic initiatives planned by the Government of Pakistan for the revival of the economy by providing all possible support for the overall wellbeing of the people of Pakistan,” it said.

The caretaker government with the help of law enforcement agencies has been cracking down on illegal money exchangers and hoarders. It has also attributed such action to the rupee’s appreciation against the dollar over the last 28 days.

Moreover, the conference resolved to “fully support” the federal government’s decision to repatriate and deport all illegal foreigners from November 1 onwards. The army chief directed all concerned to support and facilitate the “smooth, respectable, and safe repatriation/deportation” of all illegal foreigners.

Illegal foreign nationals residing in Pakistan have until November 1, to leave the country. The government would start an operation from next month. A task force – intelligence and law enforcement agencies – would confiscate the properties and businesses of illegal immigrants or not part of the tax net after the deadline.

COAS Munir stressed the need for maintaining high standards of professionalism and motivation during operations and achieve excellence during the training of the formations.