Army fires high-ranking commanders due to mayhem on May 9
Among those facing reprimand are three major generals and seven brigadiers.
ISLAMABAD:
On Monday, the top military spokesperson revealed that three senior officers, including a lieutenant general, had been fired from the Pakistan Army for their failure to prevent rioters on May 9 from ransacking military sites.
Fifteen persons in uniform had been disciplined, including three major generals and seven brigadiers, in addition to the three officers who had been fired.
At a press conference, Major General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, the Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations, stated that the army had concluded its investigation into the events of May 9 and had charged 18 officers, including a lieutenant general and three major generals.
The army’s official spokesperson claimed that two full-scale institutional investigations were initiated into the May 9 violence at different bases.
He further noted that prominent generals presided over the investigations.
The DG ISPR stated that disciplinary action was taken against the employees who were responsible for ensuring the safety and privacy of Jinnah House and the surrounding garrisons.
Those who violated the security and propriety of the cantonments, military establishments, GHQ, and Jinnah House, as reported by the DG ISPR, have been disciplined.
The army undertook two investigations into the matter, one of which resulted in a court of inquiry that recommended the dismissal of three commanders, including a lieutenant general, the spokeswoman said.
Three major generals and seven brigadiers were among the 15 officers subject to severe disciplinary measures.
There was a process of self-accountability inside the army that was carried out without any discrimination and “the higher the position, the greater the responsibility,” the spokesperson said, implying that the Pakistan Army and the military leadership were aware of the events of May 9.
Major General Chaudhry has stated that, “In the accountability process of the army, there is no distinction between any position or social status.”
To add to this, he stated that “102 miscreants are being tried in military courts and this process is going on” and that the civil courts have moved the cases to these courts in accordance with the law.
The spokesperson stated, “All the planners and facilitators connected to the events of May 9 will be punished according to the Constitution of Pakistan and the law, regardless of their affiliation with any organisation, political party or social status.”
The army spokesperson assured the public that those who try to thwart the administration of justice will face severe consequences, with the backing of the people of Pakistan.
The military’s spokesman claimed that the disturbances on May 9 had been organised for months.
“It is clear from the evidence regarding the May 9 tragedy that there were three-four masterminds and 10-12 planners behind it,” he stated, implying more action would be taken against those guilty for the May 9 incident.
According to him, the accountability procedure is presently being applied to the granddaughter of a retired four-star general, the son-in-law of a former four-star general, the wife of a retired three-star general, and the wife and son-in-law of a retired two-star general.
He also said that the trial of 102 civilian offenders was continuing in military courts. He informed reporters that 17 military tribunals had already been set up and were hearing matters related to the army act.
The Director General of the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) spoke to the media in an angry tone, saying that the Pakistani military and the families of the victims and the veterans were devastated by the events of May 9.
“Martyrs’ families are wondering if their loved ones really sacrificed their lives for this country,” he said.
To what extent “evil elements” are willing to risk the lives of martyrs and ghazis in order to advance their political agendas? When will those responsible for the tragedy on May 9 be held accountable, he pleaded.
The military spokesman stated, “The heirs of the martyrs are questioning the army chief’s ability to protect the sanctity of the martyrs in the future.”
He said, “The heirs of the martyrs and all the ranks are raising the question that if the sanctity of the sacrifices and martyrs is to be desecrated, then what is the need to sacrifice one’s life?”
According to him, the Pakistani Army is inclusive of all branches, ideologies, and social strata.
“The basis of the stability of any country and nation is the relationship of trust and respect between the people, the government, and the army,” the ISPR DG continued.
According to him, the perpetrators, organisers, and enablers of the May 9 riots will never be forgiven or forgotten in Pakistan’s annals of history.
“Those who obstructed all the plans and facilitators related to this tragedy will also be dealt with sternly,” he promised.
He claimed that the same people had been plotting for some time against the people’s army in order to advance their own political agenda and consolidate control, and that these were the same persons responsible for the events of May 9.
He cautioned that if we don’t put an end to the anarchy within, it will pave the path for assault from without.
According to Major General Chaudhry, all parties involved will need to forge a national consensus in order to ensure political stability.
He assured everyone that every political faction and force was equally valued.
He argued that the Pakistani Armed Forces do not belong to any one political party or ideology but rather represent all Pakistanis.
“Our officers and jawans do not sacrifice their lives for a particular political group, but rather they guard and give their lives for the safety of children, elders, and every individual in the entire nation,” he continued.
He claimed that the Pakistani military had perpetually aided the country’s political and economic stability.
He also noted that the defence allocation had been decreased from the previous year’s 16% to the current year’s 12.5-13% of the national budget.
ISPR DG has stated that the present defence budget is the lowest in history.
According to him, the Pakistani military was able to reduce its defence spending by tightening its belt.
Major General Chaudhry reported that 13,619 intelligence-based operations were carried out this year against terrorists and their facilitators, indicating a generally positive state of security.
This year alone, 95 cops and personnel have been killed in the line of duty, and he claims that 1,172 terrorists have been captured or imprisoned during this time.
He said that more than 77 operations were being conducted every day to combat terrorism.
He stated that India’s targeting of two innocent Kashmiris while breaking the ceasefire agreement at the Line of Control (LoC) was obvious evidence of India’s unilateral and belligerent behaviour towards its neighbours.
“This Indian attitude reflects the hegemonic thinking and policy of BJP and [Narendra] Modi towards Kashmiris since 2014,” he continued.
He demanded that the world pay attention to the Indian massacres in occupied Kashmir and the Indian military’s barbarous onslaught along the Line of Control (LoC).
“Pakistan’s forces are always ready to give a befitting reply to any Indian aggression,” he said.
