In a press conference held in Rawalpindi, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General Major General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry shared significant updates regarding the May 9 incidents and subsequent investigations. The military has taken strict disciplinary action against those responsible for failing to protect military installations, resulting in the dismissal of an army officer of Lt gen rank and several others from service.
Maj Gen Chaudhry shed light on the ongoing probe, arrests made, and the nation’s sentiment regarding the events, which he referred to as a “Ladies and gentlemen, the incident of May 9 is extremely disappointing, condemnable and a black chapter in the history of our country.”
Maj Gen Chaudhry revealed that the military has initiated disciplinary action against 15 officers, including three major generals and seven brigadiers, for their involvement in the May 9 incidents. Notably, a Lt general and two others have been dismissed from service due to their failure in protecting military installations during the unrest.
“The events of May 9 have proven that what enemies couldn’t do in 76 years, a bunch of miscreants and their facilitators did,” stated the DG ISPR, emphasizing that the incident was undoubtedly a deliberate plot against the nation and said, “undoubtedly a conspiracy against Pakistan.”
“The investigation held until now has proven that [the events] of May 9 were being planned for the past several months, there is a proper ideology and mission behind it,” he said. This scheme involved creating a favourable environment and deliberately provoking and inciting people against the army.
“Subsequently, a false narrative built on falsehoods and sensationalism was disseminated through social media, inside and outside the country,” Maj-Gen Sharif explained, emphasizing that the authorities have gathered substantial evidence against those responsible.
Highlighting the seriousness of the situation, the DG ISPR shared that arrests have been made in connection with the probe into the May 9 riots. Among those apprehended are the granddaughter of a retired four-star general and the son-in-law of another retired four-star general. Furthermore, the wife of a retired three-star general and the wife and son-in-law of a retired two-star general are currently undergoing an accountability process.
Maj Gen Chaudhry acknowledged the deep concern and questions raised by the families of martyrs and all ranks of the army regarding the desecration of martyrs’ monuments during the riots. He emphasized that the May 9 incidents proved that “what the enemy of Pakistan couldn’t do was done by these miscreants.” Expressing regret over the violent events, he stated that the planning had been underway for months, and the people had been manipulated by an outrageous narrative.
Amidst the ongoing investigations, the DG ISPR reaffirmed the Pakistan Army’s commitment to eliminating terrorism from the country. He highlighted the sacrifices made by the army and stated that the war against terrorism will continue until all terrorists are eliminated. He denounced the spread of poisonous propaganda against the Pakistan forces for political gains, asserting that the nation’s unity with the army remains strong.
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Maj Gen Chaudhry made it clear that the events of May 9 will not be forgotten, and those involved will not be forgiven. Assuring that the process of self-accountability within the army is conducted without discrimination, he emphasized that all individuals implicated will be punished under the Constitution and the law. He also mentioned the military trials being heard in the Supreme Court, ensuring that the suspects have legal rights and the opportunity to appeal.
The revelations made by the DG ISPR shed light on the gravity of the May 9 incidents and the subsequent actions taken by the military to ensure justice and accountability. The dismissals, arrests, and ongoing investigations demonstrate a commitment to upholding the law and protecting the nation’s interests. As the country continues its fight against terrorism, the Pakistan Army remains steadfast in its dedication to the defence and welfare of the people, ready to make any necessary sacrifices for the nation’s security.
