Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General (DG) Major General Ahmed Sharif Monday said a Lieutenant General was among the three officers who were fired after an inquiry into May 9 tragedy when sensitive installations of were came under attack following arrest of Imran Khan.
He, however, did not divulge names of the sacked officers during the press conference which mainly addressed questioned regarding May 9.
During the press conference, Major General Sharif announced that the army had successfully concluded its “self-accountability” process as two thorough investigations, led by Major Generals, were conducted into the incidents that occurred at army garrisons on May 9.
Following a meticulous and comprehensive accountability process, he said disciplinary measures were initiated against individuals who could not ensure security and integrity of garrisons, military installations, Jinnah House, and the General Headquarters.
“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,” he added.
The DG ISPR said that these penalties showed that accountability in the Pakistan Army was carried out without discrimination, irrespective of rank or social status.
At the outset of the presser, he said “Ladies and gentlemen, the incident of May 9 is extremely disappointing, condemnable and a black chapter in the history of our country.”
He said it was biggest conspiracy against the country since May 9 incidents had established that a few miscreants along with their facilitators did what enemies couldn’t do in 76 years.
“The investigation held until now has proven that [the events] of May 9 were being planned for the past several months,” he said. “Under this planning, first a conducive environment was created and people were instigated and provoked against the army.
Sharif said a false and exaggerated narrative was circulated on social media platforms both within and outside the country. He further emphasized that authorities had gathered substantial evidence against those involved.
DG ISPR said there was a profound grief and anger among the families of martyrs and veterans due to May 9.
He underscored that the Pakistan Army continued to sacrifice their lives to protect the motherland. Operations against terrorism were underway, he added.
He lamented that while the army made these sacrifices, there had regrettably been a deliberate spread of false propaganda for malicious political purposes.
DG ISPR said the families of the martyrs were hurt and “they ask all of us today 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 of all of us, especially the army chief, whether they would be able to protect the honour of the martyred soldiers from these miscreants.”
The DG ISPR stressed that stability in any country was based on the relationship shared by the army and the citizens. He said that despite attempts, the enemy was unable to dent the relationship of “trust and respect between the army and the people”.
“As of now, a granddaughter of a retired four-star general, son-in-law of a retired four-star 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”.
In response to a question, the DG ISPR said the suspects being tried in military courts had complete legal rights, including the right of appeal in the high courts and Supreme Court.
“Regardless of their political party affiliation, institutional affiliation, or social status, all individuals involved in planning and facilitating the incident will face punishment in accordance with the Constitution and laws of Pakistan,” declared the DG ISPR.
He further emphasized that any individuals obstructing the progress of the investigation to reach its rightful conclusion will face severe consequences, with the unwavering support of the people of Pakistan.
