COAS says armed forces will not tolerate further attempt to vandalise security installations

Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir said on Saturday the country’s armed forces “will not tolerate any further attempt of violating the sanctity and security of its installations or vandalism”, and resolved to bring to justice all the planners, abetters, instigators, and executors of vandalism on the Black Day of 9th May.

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations, the COAS made the remarks while visiting Corps Headquarters Peshawar on Saturday, where he was given a detailed briefing on the prevailing security situation and ongoing counter-terrorism efforts.

“He appreciated the professional competence, performance, and achievements of Law Enforcement Agencies in the ongoing fight against terrorism,” the ISPR stated.

The COAS also addressed the officers of the Corps and emphasised the evolving threats to national security.

“We shall continue with our endeavors of peace and stability and there will be no room for spoilers of the process,” he said.

The COAS also sensitised about the challenges of information warfare and efforts to create misperceptions.

He highlighted that a concerted effort is being made maliciously by inimical elements to target the Armed Forces.

He pledged that such nefarious attempts will be foiled through the support of the people of Pakistan.

Earlier on arrival, COAS was received by Corps Commander Peshawar.

The ISPR had earlier stated on Wednesday that May 9 will be remembered as a “black chapter”, a statement that came a day after the protest of PTI workers targeted “army property and installations” in the wake of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan’s arrest.

Pakistan saw massive protests earlier this week, with army’s installations being targeted in multiple cities. Videos shared on social media showed citizens, in response to PTI chief Imran’s arrest, damaging vehicles and property.

On Wednesday, the Ministry of Interior authorised the deployment of Pakistan Army in Punjab, Khyber Pakthunkhwa, and Islamabad to maintain law-and-order in the province, after the government also moved to curtail access to social media and shut off mobile broadband services.