RAWALPINDI: Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General (DG) Major General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said three officers including Lieutenant General were penalised during accountability process of May 9 violence. Addressing presser, he said Army completed accountability process according to its traditions, adding that it conducted inquiries against attacks various garrisons. “Institution initiated accountability over attacks on Army installations,” he added.

May 9 conspiracy was biggest conspiracy against country, he said. He said that investigation conducted until now proved that [events of] May 9 were under planning for several months, adding that conducive environment was created before executing them. “People were instigated against Army,” he added.

In connection with this, he said, narrative based on lies and exaggeration was spread on social media. “Authorities have collected evidence against them,” he added.

ISPR DG said handful of miscreants did on May 9 what enemy could not do in 75 years. “People’s emotions were exploited against Army,” he added. It was undoubtedly conspiracy against Pakistan, he said.

He said that Army was shouldering martyrs every day, adding that it was eliminating terrorists too. “On one side Army is paying sacrifices, while on other side, propaganda was ensued against institution,” he added. ISPR DG said heirs of martyrs were asking when perpetrators would be brought to justice. ‘They ask what point of sacrificing lives for country is if martyrs’ graves are desecrated,” he added.

He said that Army had complete harmony and clarity in its decision-making, adding that Corps Commanders conference and Formation Commanders conference reflected that Army was well-aware of perpetrators. “All planners and facilitators will be dealt with according to law,” he added. Whichever party they belonged to, halters would be dealt with strictly, he said.

He asked if Army burned graves of martyrs and spread its agents in several cities. “It is high time to end currency of lies and digest truth however bitter it may be,” he added.

ISPR DG continued by saying that narrative of human rights [abuses] had always been spread against state, adding that foreign voices were always part of it. “Other way is creating an environment by getting anti-state statements from some people,” he added.

Most dangerous method was relinquishing aid to worsen country’s economic situation, he said. He said miscreants launched well-planned attack on more than 200 Army installations, adding that social media campaign was started to ensue more destruction. “Women were used as covers on May 9,” he added. ISPR DG said there was system in place in Army to highlight any discrepancy, adding that all recommendation were placed after reviewing evidence. “Responsibility concurs with post,” he added.

Speaking about trials in military courts, ISPR Chief said case was being heard in Supreme Court. “Military courts did not come into existence after May 9, they were already functioning. Civil courts have transferred these cases to military courts after checking evidence in line with law,” he said. He made it clear that suspects had legal rights including right to appeal.  “They also have right to appeal in Supreme Court. Army Act has been part of law and Constitution for decades,” he said.

Published in The Daily National Courier, June, 27 2023

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