Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
Pakistan military’s top commanders on Friday warned that any attempt to create unrest similar to the events of May 9, 2023, would be met with “decisive force”, two days before supporters of jailed former prime minister Imran Khan plan to march to Islamabad. The warning came at the 277th Corps Commanders’ Conference, chaired by Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir at the General Headquarters in Rawalpindi.
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The warning came as the federal government and leaders of Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf held talks on Friday to ease political tensions ahead of the opposition party’s planned long march on Sunday. PTI spokesperson Zulfiqar Bukhari said the party’s main demands included an “immediate” meeting with Khan, shifting him to a hospital where his personal doctors can examine him, the release of Khan’s sisters and others arrested ahead of the protest, a proper medical check-up of his wife Bushra Bibi, and ensuring that their cases are heard properly without interference.
According to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations, the forum reviewed the prevailing security situation and decided to maintain a high state of readiness. It said the commanders “underscored the importance of internal stability” and resolved that any attempt to cause agitation or create a “9th May-like situation”, on any pretext whatsoever, would be dealt with “decisive force and rule of law”.
On May 9, 2023, supporters of PTI founder Imran Khan came out on the streets after his arrest, leading to a law and order situation and allegedly attacking state property and defence installations. The commanders also affirmed Pakistan’s right to self-defence and targeted action against terrorism emanating from Afghanistan. The forum also welcomed the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Trkiye, saying it would add to longstanding strategic and collective defence ties.
The government has also tightened security arrangements, placing shipping containers on roads leading to Islamabad and mobilising additional police personnel. The military warning, the talks between the government and PTI, and the enhanced security measures all came ahead of PTI’s planned march to the capital on Sunday.
With PTI Inputs
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SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
