3 Army Officers including Lt Gen sacked in wake of May 9 incidents: DG ISPR

Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General Major General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry in a press briefing on Monday informed that the military had dismissed an army officer of a lieutenant general rank and several other high-ranking officers from service for failing to protect the military installations on May 9.

DG ISPR said that several pieces of evidence have been gathered so far against the perpetrators of the violence on May 9.

He added that strict action has been taken against 15 Army officers, including three major generals and seven brigadiers.

ISPR DG Major Chaudhry addressing a press conference in Rawalpindi said that a granddaughter of a retired four-star general and a son-in-law of a retired four-star general have also been arrested in connection with the probe into May 9 riots.

Moreover, a wife of a retired three-star general and a wife and son-in-law of a retired two-star general are undergoing an accountability process, he informed.

“The May 9 incidents have proved that what the enemy of Pakistan couldn’t do was done by these miscreants,” he added.

The ISPR DG 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) chief Imran Khan’s arrest, DG ISPR said that the investigation into the violence is underway with the help of evidence that was collected related to the May 9 incidents.

He added 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 said.

“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 riots, the DG ISPR said the planning of the violent incidents was done several months ago. 

“The people were manipulated by this outrageous narrative,” he added.

DG ISPR slams social media propaganda against the military leadership

“A poisonous propaganda is being spread against Pakistan forces. False 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 jawans [soldiers] lost their lives. However, the successful war against terrorism will continue until all terrorists are eliminated,” said the chief military spokesperson.

“Pakistan Army will continue to make sacrifices for the defense of the country and the welfare of the people,” he added.