- Three high-ranking Pakistani army officers, including a Lieutenant General, were dismissed in connection with the events of May 9.
- ISPR Director General Ahmed Sharif condemns the incidents as a conspiracy against Pakistan.
- Emphasis is placed on safeguarding the honor of fallen soldiers and strengthening the crucial army-citizen relationship.
The spokesperson of the Pakistan Military vowed to punish everyone involved in the attack army installation on May 9, 2023. He assured the nation during a press conference held on Monday that Pakistan Army will not spare anyone in this regard.
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In a press conference held on Monday, Major General Ahmed Sharif, the Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), disclosed the dismissal of three high-ranking officers, including a Lieutenant General, as part of the Pakistani military’s internal investigation into the events that unfolded on May 9. The incidents, which occurred following the arrest of Imran Khan, Chairman of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) political party, triggered widespread protests across the nation.
Maj-Gen Sharif disclosed that the army had completed a comprehensive “self-accountability” process. Two major general-led inquiries were conducted to investigate the violent incidents that occurred at army garrisons on May 9.
“After a meticulous accountability process, considering the recommendations from the in-court of inquiries, appropriate disciplinary action has been taken against those who failed to uphold the security and dignity of garrisons, military installations, Jinnah House, and General Headquarters,” Maj-Gen Sharif revealed.
He further explained that three officers, including a lieutenant-general, had been relieved of their duties, while strict disciplinary proceedings had been carried out against three major generals and seven brigadiers. These measures were taken to demonstrate that accountability within the Pakistan Army is impartial, regardless of rank or social status.
“The penalties imposed showed that the Pakistan Army upheld accountability without prejudice and that even individuals from prominent military backgrounds were currently undergoing the accountability process due to substantial evidence,” he said.
“Currently, individuals undergoing the process of accountability due to indisputable evidence include a granddaughter of a retired four-star general, a son-in-law of a retired four-star general, the wife of a retired three-star general, and the wife and son-in-law of a retired two-star general,” general told journalists.
During the media briefing, Maj-Gen Sharif expressed deep disappointment and condemned the events of May 9 as a regrettable and shameful episode in the country’s history. He stressed that these incidents uncovered a conspiracy against Pakistan.
“What adversaries failed to achieve in 76 years, a group of troublemakers, miscreants, and their supporters managed to accomplish on that fateful day,” he said.
The investigation revealed a meticulously planned scheme that spanned several months, designed to create a favorable environment to incite and provoke the public against the army. Furthermore, false narratives and exaggerated information were disseminated through social media platforms both domestically and internationally.
Maj-Gen Sharif underscored the profound grief and anger experienced by the families of martyrs and veterans in light of the events on May 9. He strongly criticized unscrupulous individuals who capitalized on a false narrative for their own political gains, while the Pakistan Army continued to sacrifice its soldiers in the fight against terrorism.
Army’s spokesperson highlighted the deep emotional turmoil endured by the families of the fallen, raising poignant questions about the purpose of their loved ones’ sacrifices when their memorials were subjected to disrespect.
Regarding the preservation of the martyred soldiers’ honor, Maj-Gen Sharif called upon all individuals, particularly the army chief, to fulfill their responsibilities in this regard. He emphasized the crucial role played by the army-citizen relationship in maintaining stability within the country, asserting that despite efforts by adversaries to undermine it, the trust and respect between the army and the people remained unshaken. In conclusion, the ISPR Director General emphasized the utmost importance of safeguarding this vital relationship and countering the sinister agendas of those who seek to weaken it.
Army’s spokesperson emphasized the armed forces’ unwavering commitment to defending the country and serving the welfare of its people.
“The armed forces have continuously made countless sacrifices, and this trend will persist. The trust of the people lies in the army’s determination to face any sacrifice and its representation of diverse ideologies, rather than catering to any specific elite group.”
Answering a question about the subject of trials under the Army Act, Maj-Gen Sharif informed the audience that military courts were operational, with ongoing trials for 102 individuals labeled as miscreants. He assured that these suspects were granted complete legal rights, including the right to appeal in the high courts and Supreme Court.
Highlighting the security situation, Maj-Gen Sharif stated that despite a planned attack on the Pakistan Army, security forces conducted 13,619 intelligence operations this year. These operations resulted in the arrest or elimination of 1,172 terrorists.
“Every day, more than 77 operations are being carried out by armed forces, police, intelligence agencies, and other law enforcement agencies to combat the menace of terrorism,” Maj-Gen Sharif revealed.
Ends