RAWALPINDI: Pakistan’s top military command on Wednesday warned of a “swift and decisive response” to any Indian aggression, as the country’s armed forces reviewed regional security and operational preparedness during the 272nd Corps Commanders’ Conference held at General Headquarters (GHQ).
Chaired by Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, the forum also celebrated the signing of a landmark **Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement** with Saudi Arabia, calling it a major step towards enhancing regional security and bilateral defence cooperation.
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the conference expressed **serious concern over provocative statements** made by Indian leaders. It warned that political attempts to stoke war hysteria would be met with force, and any efforts to impose an “imaginary new normal” would face a **“new normal of swift retributive response.”**
The commanders reaffirmed their resolve to pursue aggressive counterterrorism operations, specifically targeting Indian-backed militant proxies, including groups referred to as **“Fitna Al-Khawarij”** and **“Fitna Al-Hindustan.”** They condemned the nexus between terrorism, criminality, and political protection, pledging it would no longer be tolerated.
The conference took place amid rising tensions and recent sacrifices by the military, including the martyrdom of 11 personnel—among them a lieutenant colonel and a major—in Orakzai, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
In a significant development, the military leadership endorsed the strategic defence pact with Saudi Arabia, saying it reflected “shared values, mutual respect, and a joint vision for peace and stability” in both South Asia and the Middle East.
On foreign policy, the forum reiterated **Pakistan’s unwavering support for Kashmiris’ right to self-determination** in accordance with UN resolutions, and called for an immediate **ceasefire in Gaza**. It endorsed the creation of an independent Palestinian state based on **pre-1967 borders** with **Al Quds Al Sharif as its capital**.
Concluding the session, COAS Munir directed all formations to maintain top operational readiness, discipline, and innovation in the face of evolving conventional and hybrid threats.
