Rawalpindi, 26 June 2023 (Daily Dawn)

Pakistan’s Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General, Maj. Gen. Ahmed Sharif said on Monday that one lieutenant general, 3 Major Generals and 7 Brigadiers are among 102 persons under military courts trials as part of the military’s “self-accountability process” into the events of May 9.

He revealed this today addressing a press conference on the facts of May 9 erupted across the country following the arrest of PTI political party’s chairman Imran Khan.

He said that the incident of May 9 is extremely disappointing, condemnable and a black chapter in the history of our country.  ‘The events of May 9 have proven that what enemies couldn’t do in 76 years, a bunch of miscreants and their facilitators did,” military spokesperson said. He added that the incident was undoubtedly a conspiracy against Pakistan.

He said that the investigation held until now has proven that May 9 incident was well planned for the past several months.

Maj Gen. Sharif said that as per the planning, a conducive environment was created and people were instigated and provoked against the army. Further a narrative was built on lies with aggressive propaganda through social media inside and outside the country. He said that the authorities had obtained evidence against them.

He said while Pakistan Army is giving these sacrifices, on other hand, unfortunately, filthy propaganda was done on the basis of a false narrative for nefarious political objectives.

Maj. Gen. Sharif said the families of martyrs were hurt and they have been asking if their loved ones rendered these sacrifices for the nation so that their memorials are disrespected in such a manner.

“The heirs of the martyrs are asking all of us, especially the army chief, whether they would be able to protect the honour of the martyred soldiers from these miscreants.”

He stressed that stability in any country was based on the relationship shared by army and citizens. He said that despite attempts, the enemy failed to dent the relationship between army and the people”.

He asserted that the armed forces have been and will continue to give countless sacrifices for the defence of the country and the welfare of the people. This is the trust of people that, no matter the circumstances, the army will not shy away from any sacrifice, and the reality that the armed forces represent all schools of thought and not any particular elite,” DG ISPR said.

‘Self-accountability Process’

Maj. Gen. Sharif revealed that the army had completed its process of ‘self-accountability’ headed by two major generals.

“After a deliberate and detailed accountability process, keeping the requests of in-court of inquiries in view, disciplinary proceedings were initiated against those who failed to keep the security and honour of garrisons, military installations, Jinnah House and General Headquarters intact.

He said that three officers including a lieutenant-general, have been removed from their jobs. Strict disciplinary proceedings against officers, including three major generals and seven brigadiers, have been completed without discrimination, irrespective of rank or social status.

He said that a granddaughter of a retired four star general, son-in-law of a retired four star  general, wife of a retired three-star general, and wife and son-in-law of a retired two star general are facing this process of accountability on the basis of irrefutable evidence.

Talking about trials under the Army Act, Maj Gen Sharif said that 17 standing military courts were functioning in which trial of 102 miscreants is underway and this process will continue.

He said that the suspects being tried in military courts have complete legal rights of appeal in the high courts and Supreme Court.

Military Spokesperson categorically assured that all those elements behind 09 May incidents and their facilitators will be dealth with iron hand.