Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General Lt-Gen Ahmed Sharif stated that while the legal process to punish the perpetrators of May 9th has been completed, the pursuit of justice against the masterminds behind the events will continue.
DG ISPR Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif has emphasized that the events of May 9th are not just a matter for the Pakistan Army but a case for the people.
He stated that while the legal process to punish the perpetrators of May 9th has been completed, the pursuit of justice against the masterminds behind the events will continue.
During a press conference in Rawalpindi, DG ISPR expressed concerns about mob attacks, stating, "If mob attacks are not curtailed under the constitution, where will society end up?" He clarified that military courts in Pakistan have been functioning in accordance with the Constitution and law for decades, and those convicted by military courts have the right to appeal in the Supreme Court.
DG ISPR further stated, "Young people were misled and incited against the state. The pursuit of justice against the planners of May 9th will continue." He condemned the baseless propaganda against military courts, emphasizing that these courts provide all necessary legal rights, including access to lawyers and witnesses.
Denouncing false narratives
He criticized the false narratives surrounding May 9th, stating, "No legal or moral justification exists for the fabricated stories." Referring to recent allegations that intelligence agencies orchestrated attacks, he remarked sarcastically, "Those who spread such claims should be pleased that even individuals linked to agencies have been punished."
The DG ISPR highlighted the importance of merit-based hearings in anti-terrorism courts related to May 9th cases. Drawing comparisons, he said, "In instances like the Capitol Hill riots and London protests, justice was served, and perpetrators were sentenced."
Accountability within the military
Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif underlined the army's rigorous and effective process of self-accountability. He acknowledged that the events of May 9th reflected coordinated planning, necessitating the identification and prosecution of those responsible. He reiterated that the Pakistan Army does not act against any political party or ideology and urged avoidance of unnecessary commentary on court-martial proceedings.
Addressing political narratives
He described the May 9th events as part of a broader conspiracy tied to a specific political party, pointing out that "the trend of negativity and violent politics began in 2014." He called the May 9th tragedy a continuation of this pattern and condemned the incident as part of a deliberate conspiracy.
Faiz Hameed case
Regarding the sensitive case of Faiz Hameed, DG ISPR advised against unnecessary commentary, emphasizing that the matter is sub judice. He assured that Faiz Hameed would be granted all legal rights.
Mastermind accountability
The DG ISPR revealed the presence of an organized conspiracy and planning behind the May 9th events. He stressed the importance of holding accountable those involved in this scheme, stating, "Army Chief has made it clear that the life of one Pakistani is more important than Afghanistan."
Referring to past decisions, he asked, "Who resettled the terrorists who had been neutralized in 2021? Whose insistence was it to negotiate with them? Those who placed politics above the state must answer for their actions."
The press conference underscored the Pakistan Army's commitment to justice and its stance against the politicization of national issues.
