RAWALPINDI: Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General Major General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said Monday that the Pakistan Army had dismissed three military officers, including a lieutenant-general, from service for failing to protect the military installations on May 9.
While addressing a news conference, DG ISPR revealed that the army had completed its process of “self-accountability”, adding that two comprehensive inquiries — led by major generals — were conducted into violent incidents that took place at army garrisons on May 9.
“After a deliberate accountability process, disciplinary proceedings were initiated against those who failed to keep the security and honour of military installations, garrisons, Jinnah House and General Headquarters (GHQ) intact. “Three army officers, including a lieutenant-general, have been dismissed from their services. Strict disciplinary proceedings have been completed against officers, including three major generals and seven brigadiers,” Major General Sharif added.
The DG ISPR said that these penalties showed that accountability in the Pakistan Army was carried out without any discrimination.
Black Chapter in Pakistan’s History
Maj Gen Chaudhry said the families of martyrs and all ranks of the army are raising questions over the May 9 incidents and the desecration of martyrs’ monuments in many parts of the country during the riots. “The May 9 incidents have proved that what the enemy of Pakistan could not do was done by these miscreants,” he added.
The DG ISPR further said that the May 9 incidents are “highly condemnable, a black chapter in Pakistan’s history and a big conspiracy against the country”.
Speaking about the protests that broke out following Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan’s arrest, DG ISPR Maj Gen Chaudhry said that evidence related to the May 9 incidents has been collected as the investigation into the violence is underway.
He said that the Pakistan Army is eliminating the terrorists from the country on a daily basis. “The families of the martyrs are hurt, and they are asking tough questions as to when will the people involved in the May 9 incidents be brought to justice,” he added. “All the ranks within the army are asking why they should sacrifice their lives if the memorials of the martyrs are being desecrated like this.”
Expressing regret over the May 9 mayhem, the DG ISPR said planning the violent incidents was done several months ago. ” This outrageous narrative manipulated the people,” he added.
“A poisonous propaganda is being spread against Pakistan forces. A baseless propaganda has been carried out for political purposes and lust for power,” he said, adding that the nation cannot be separated from the army and there is complete coordination and transparency in the army’s decision-making.
“As many as 95 officers and soldiers lost their lives. However, the successful war against terrorism will continue until all terrorists are eliminated,” DG ISPR said.
Major General Chaudhry said that the Pakistan Army would continue to make sacrifices for the motherland’s defence and the people’s welfare. He added that come what may, the forces will not hesitate to sacrifice for the country.
He stressed that the May 9 events will not be forgotten and those involved will not be forgiven. “All the people involved will be punished under the Constitution and law,” he assured.
