Military top brass vows to safeguard Pakistan's water rights under IWT

-- Corps Commanders reaffirm commitment to ensure Pakistan receives its rightful share of Indus waters

-- Military warns Indian-backed terror proxies operating from Afghan territory will face decisive action

-- Forum stresses governance reforms, intelligence-led operations and integrated strategy to defeat terrorism and hybrid warfare

-- Pakistan reiterates unwavering support for Kashmir cause and commitment to regional peace through diplomacy and international law

RAWALPINDI: Pakistan's top military leadership on Monday reaffirmed its unwavering resolve to eliminate terrorism in all its forms, warning that Indian-backed militant proxies operating from Afghan territory and externally sponsored hybrid warfare would be met with a decisive and integrated response to safeguard the country's sovereignty and national security.

The resolve was expressed during the 276th Corps Commanders' Conference (CCC), chaired by Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), HJ, Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces, at the General Headquarters (GHQ), where the country's overall security environment, operational preparedness and regional developments came under comprehensive review.

The forum paid rich tribute to the martyrs of the Armed Forces, law enforcement agencies and innocent civilians, offering Fateha for their eternal peace and reaffirming that their sacrifices remain the cornerstone of Pakistan's security, unity and resilience.

The military leadership expressed satisfaction over the operational preparedness, professionalism and combat readiness of the Pakistan Armed Forces, emphasizing that the country's defence remains fully capable of responding to both conventional and emerging security challenges.

The Corps Commanders expressed grave concern over the continued use of territory under the control of the Afghan Taliban by Indian-sponsored terrorist organisations, including Fitna al Khawarij (FAK) and Fitna al Hindustan (FAH), to launch attacks inside Pakistan.

The forum stressed that lasting peace and stability in the region depended upon preventing the misuse of Afghan territory by terrorist proxies, stating that the Afghan Taliban regime bears direct responsibility for ensuring its territory is not used against neighbouring countries.

Reaffirming Pakistan's inherent right to defend its citizens against terrorism, the military leadership declared that intelligence-based operations against terrorist networks operating from Afghan territory would continue under the ambit of Operation Ghazab-lil-Haq until the threat is effectively neutralised.

Besides military operations, the forum emphasized that sustainable peace in troubled regions also requires effective governance, stronger public service delivery and improved welfare initiatives.

The commanders highlighted the urgent need to establish robust governance structures capable of dismantling the nexus between terrorism and organised crime, which they said continues to thrive under vested political patronage.

The forum underscored that development, effective administration and public confidence remain indispensable components of Pakistan's broader counterterrorism strategy.

Reviewing the evolving strategic environment following what it described as Pakistan's comprehensive success in Mark-e-Haq, the military leadership observed that hostile elements had increasingly shifted towards hybrid warfare, disinformation campaigns and other externally supported efforts aimed at creating instability inside the country.

The forum strongly condemned state-sponsored financing, facilitation and support of terrorist proxies, asserting that every attempt to destabilise Pakistan through hybrid means would continue to be countered with strategic clarity, institutional resilience and unwavering resolve.

The commanders also reviewed regional developments and appreciated Pakistan's constructive diplomatic role in promoting dialogue, de-escalation and regional peace, reaffirming the country's commitment to peaceful conflict resolution, respect for international law and enhanced regional cooperation.

The conference also discussed India's recent rhetoric regarding the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), reaffirming the guidance issued by the National Security Committee on April 24, 2025. The military leadership reiterated its firm commitment to ensuring Pakistan receives its rightful share of water in accordance with government directives and the aspirations of the Pakistani people.

The forum further condemned ongoing human rights violations and demographic changes in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), reiterating that Kashmir remains Pakistan's "jugular vein" and reaffirming Islamabad's continued diplomatic, political and moral support for the Kashmiri people's right to self-determination in line with United Nations Security Council resolutions.

In his concluding remarks, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir directed commanders to accelerate implementation of the Armed Forces' multi-domain transformation plan in view of the changing character of warfare. He instructed military commanders to maintain the highest standards of vigilance, operational readiness and professional excellence while ensuring integrated responses to conventional, sub-conventional and hybrid threats to safeguard Pakistan's sovereignty and national interests under all circumstances.