The military’s top brass underscored on Tuesday the “critical” need for safeguarding national cyberspace through stringent cybersecurity measures was also underscored.

The observation was made during the Corps Commanders’ Conference at the General Headquarters in Rawalpindi, which was presided over by Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir.

The statement comes amid the government’s decision to install a web monitoring system (WMS) to manage online content. It was officially confirmed in the Cabinet Division last month. The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority has blocked 2,369 URLs and 183 mobile applications through the system.

Amidst this, software houses and information technology companies complained about the connectivity problem. Internet networks have been up to 40 per cent slower than normal since July, one IT association said last month, while documents, images and voice notes have been disrupted on WhatsApp, used by tens of millions of people.

According to an Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) press release, the forum expressed satisfaction over ongoing efforts against illegal spectrum operating in collusion with terrorist networks.

No room for exceptions or partiality under army system of accountability

The top brass noted that the Army is a “disciplined institution, upholding the highest standards” of professionalism, integrity, and loyalty to the state and institution. “The institution’s well-established and rigorous system of accountability ensures that these values are preserved with unwavering commitment, allowing no room for exceptions or partiality. This strict adherence to accountability fortifies the Army’s integrity, ensuring that no individual is above the law or exempt from scrutiny,” it said.

While recognising the urgency and significance of a robust and effective legal system, COAS Munir emphasised that the Pakistan Army would continue to extend comprehensive support to the government, administrative apparatus, and law enforcement agencies in taking swift and lawful action against terrorists, anarchists, and criminal mafias.

‘Army won’t allow successes against terrorism to be reversed’

The forum was briefed on the prevailing geo-strategic environment, national security challenges, and strategic and operational responses to emerging threats.

“In assessing the inimical forces, malicious actors, subversive proxies, and the facilitators of Pakistan’s external and internal adversaries, particularly those active in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the forum deliberated on a range of measures to neutralise these threats,” it said.

A spate of terrorist attacks rocked the resource-rich but backward province on late August 25. Militants killed over 40 civilians, including 23 in Musa Khel after identity check, in at least 12 places.

The banned Balochistan Liberation Army had claimed responsibility for the attack on Sunday midnight across the province. They also targeted security personnel. They stormed police stations, blew up railway tracks, and set fire to almost three dozen vehicles.

The top brass reaffirmed that the Pakistan Army, with the people’s support, would not allow the hard-earned successes against terrorism to be reversed.

Participants offered prayers and paid tribute to the ultimate sacrifices made by the martyrs of the armed forces, law enforcement agencies, and citizens who have laid down their lives in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in pursuit of peace and stability in Pakistan.

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Kashmir, Palestine

In a show of solidarity with the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, who continue to suffer gross human rights violations, the forum honoured the freedom movement’s martyrs. “The blatant continued violence and genocide of Palestinians by Israel were also condemned in the strongest terms.”

The forum expressed confidence in the operational preparedness and readiness of the Pakistan army and vowed to continue to uphold the standards in pursuit of professional excellence.