Naveed Ahmad Khan
RAWALPINDI: Director General Inter-Services Public Relations (DG ISPR) Major General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry has said that three Pakistan Army officers including a lieutenant general (Lt Gen) have been sacked after May 9 riots.
DG ISPR Maj Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry held a press conference today to give a detailed briefing on the developments after the May 9 riots, trials of suspects in the military courts, disciplinary actions against the military officers and a case against the military trials of civilians being heard by the Supreme Court (SC).
He said that May 9 incident was sorrowful and condemnable as the facilitators of a small number of people spread chaos in the country which enemies of Pakistan failed to do in 75 years. The investigation proved that the planning of the May 9 riots continued for a few months and people were manipulated through negative narratives.
He said that Pakistan Army foiled the conspiracy by not giving an immediate response after the military installations came under attack.
The DG ISPR said that investigators found several pieces of evidence and are still receiving them. May 9 riots angered the families of the martyrs of the armed forces. He said that Pakistan Army is rendering sacrifices for the soil, on the other hand, propaganda was run against the armed forces for achieving ulterior motives.
“The families of the martyrs are questioning whether their beloved ones rendered sacrifices for this kind of treatment. The families are also questioning the army chief and the entire institution about action against the planners of the sorrowful incident.”
The spokesperson of the military’s media wing said that a narrative based on lies and exaggeration was given to create a rift in the relationship between the nation, the government and the armed forces. The May 9 rioters failed to achieve their targets. The planners behind May 9 incident incited people to rebel by raising the fake slogan of revolution.
He said that the armed forces have rendered sacrifices for defending the soil and they will continue to do it.
Decision-making
Maj Gen Chaudhry said that there is complete coordination and clarity in Pakistan Army’s decision-making. The military leadership is fully aware of elements involved in May 9 incidents which cannot be forgotten and forgiven.
“All facilitators and others involved in May 9 riots will be pronounced penalties in accordance with the Constitution and law, regardless of their association with any political party or institution.”
Internal accountability
The DG ISPR revealed that three Pakistan Army officers including a lieutenant general (Lt Gen) were sacked and disciplinary actions were taken against 15 other officers including major general following an internal accountability process after May 9 riots.
“In Pakistan Army, the process of internal accountability is conducted without any discrimination of any position or social status. The higher the position in the army, the greater the responsibility.”
“A granddaughter of a four-star retired general and the son-in-law of a four-star retired general are going through the accountability process. Trials of 102 miscreants are being conducted and still continued.
“As per traditions, Pakistan Army completed its internal accountability process. A comprehensive institutional inquiry was conducted by major general-ranked officers in the garrison. The disciplinary actions were taken against the responsible ones for failing to protect the military installations and the sanctity of the Jinnah House.”
He added that the decision was taken in light of the recommendation tabled by the court of inquiry.
Case against military courts
Major General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said that a case is being heard by the Supreme Court (SC) regarding the military courts. He detailed that 17 standing courts are working across the country which were not established after May 9.
The DG ISPR said that the courts were already functioning under an act. The civil courts transferred the cases to the military courts in accordance with the evidence and the law.
“The accused are possessing legal rights and they have rights to appeal the verdicts in the Supreme Court (SC) and the high courts.”
He added that Army Act is part of the Constitution of Pakistan and the law for many decades.
He said that punishment and reward are part of every society, religion and the constitution. The punishment should be given in accordance with the nature of crime. “The Constitution of Pakistan is most superior for us.”
‘Riots were organised, planned’
The DG ISPR said, “CCTV footage, audio recordings and pictures have proved that May 9 riots were planned and military installations were targeted.”
“Immediately after the arrest, military installations in more than 200 localities were attacked. It was a shameful allegation against the Pakistan Army or an agency to carry out May 9 incident. Has Pakistan Army sent its agents to different places in Rawalpindi, Chakdara, Lahore, Mianwali, Faisalabad and others? Have Pakistan Army officials torched the Yadgar-e-Shuhada and vandalised them by their own hands?”
“Who was inciting people to increase arson in the country amid May 9 riots? A specific political group and its leadership had left no option other than spreading lies, discrimination and propaganda.”
Human rights violations
DG ISPR rejected the reports of human rights violations in Pakistan. He said that such narratives were mostly hatched in foreign countries.
“HR violations were aired in different ways like spreading old videos and photos on social media to defame Pakistan. Later, specific people, foreign agencies and NGOs were asked to give statements on the basis of hidden contacts or money.”
“The government is fully aware and it briefed the foreign embassies and international media about the false propaganda of HR violations. The facilitators and planners of the May 9 riots cannot hide behind the propaganda of human rights violations. The time has arrived to eliminate the currency of lies.”
“Social media propaganda is a serious issue and the government is working on it. The journalist community should also promote responsible journalism.” He urged the authorities to devise mechanisms for ending impatience and turmoil in society.
Consensus urged
DG ISPR said that Pakistan Army is also an institution of the government and it would play its role when the government is required its support. Pakistan Army played its role for polio eradication, Reko Diq, FATF and COVID-19 pandemic.
“An impression was given that Pakistan Army is not ready to give security for elections. We should know the fact that the election commission has the authority to decide the security requirements and the defence ministry gives its approval after reviewing the overall security situation.”
He urged joint efforts to uproot the menace of terrorism. He added that the planners of the May 9 incidents should be exposed and brought to justice. The DG ISPR said that politicians, courts and others should jointly work for taking steps to avoid incidents like May 9 riots.
Maj Gen Chaudhry said that stakeholders should build consensus to strengthen democracy and stabilise the national economy. All political parties are respectable for us, he added.
