RAWALPINDI – Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General Major General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry stated that the violent events of May 9 were not just an assault on the Pakistan Army, but on the entire nation.
Addressing a press conference, Major General Ahmed Sharif emphasised that to uphold the justice system, those responsible for the May 9 incidents must be held accountable.
May 9 incidents
ISPR Director General Major General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry mentioned that both the public and the armed forces witnessed the events of May 9 first hand. “Everyone observed how individuals were misled through false propaganda,” he noted.
The ISPR claimed that specific targets were assigned for attacks, resulting in military installations being struck across the country within hours.
“Following May 9, the public distanced themselves from the anarchist group. Falsehoods and deception can no longer prevail,” he stated.
The ISPR chief explained that innocent children were manipulated and encouraged to engage in violence, while the country’s army, martyrs, and property were set on fire.
Judicial commission on May 9 incidents
He proposed forming a judicial commission, noting that such commissions are established in situations of uncertainty.
“Establish a judicial commission and investigate the incident thoroughly,” he urged.
The ISPR chief stressed the importance of covering the attack on PTV and investigating how people were incited to oppose the state. He recalled the attack on Islamabad in 2022 and recommended that a judicial commission should examine all related issues, including attempts to dissuade the IMF from finalizing a deal with Pakistan.
“The attack on parliament should also be included in the investigation,” he suggested, adding that the events of May 9 aimed to create discord between the people and the army.
However, he expressed confidence that people with a sense of conscience distanced themselves from the anarchists’ actions.
‘Pakistan will go to any extent to crush menace of terrorism’
ISPR spokesman said armed forces will go to any extent to crush terrorism as we have reservations over the presence of safe terror havens in Afghanistan. He paid tribute to soldiers and workers and law enforcement agencies who were martyred in line of duty.
He stated that the attack on a convoy in Bisham tehsil of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Shangla on March 26, which killed five Chinese engineers, was planned in Afghanistan.
“In the war on terrorism, our soldiers, workers, and law enforcement agencies have made significant sacrifices,” he noted.
Pakistan made significant efforts towards regional peace, particularly in Afghanistan. Its role has been crucial in fostering peace in the area, ISPR chief said.
He further mentioned that South Asian nation hosted Afghan refugees for an extended period, providing them with more assistance than any other country, as acknowledged globally. Despite Pakistan’s efforts and continual engagement with the Afghan interim government, the TTP terrorists persist in conducting acts of terrorism within Pakistan, Major Gen Ahmed said.
Gen Sharif stated that despite Pakistan’s efforts and formal notifications to the Afghan interim government, “TTP terrorists are continuing to carry out acts of terrorism in Pakistan.”
He emphasized that Pakistan has provided “concrete evidence, but so far, there has been no positive progress.”
The Pak Army spokesperson mentioned that recent terrorism incidents have links to terror hideouts in Afghanistan.
Gen Sharif pointed out that Pakistan has extended support to Afghanistan and reminded that the interim government in Kabul had pledged not to allow Afghan soil to be used for any terror acts.
“However, there is clear evidence that TTP terrorists are still using Afghan soil to launch attacks in Pakistan,” he said. “The Foreign Office has lodged 12 protests in this regard, and the army chief has made it clear that Pakistan has concerns about the hideouts of banned groups in Afghanistan.”
“Pakistan will do everything possible to eliminate terror networks and protect its citizens,” Gen Sharif stated.
Repatriation of Afghan Nationals
The Director General of ISPR discussed the ongoing initiative to repatriate illegal Afghan nationals back to Afghanistan.
He explained that the government of Pakistan made the decision to deport foreign citizens illegally residing in the country for the greater good of Pakistan.
“There was an added strain on the country’s economy, and the law and order situation was also being affected. In no country are illegal immigrants allowed to freely move around.”
He reported that so far, 563,639 illegal Afghan citizens have been sent back to their country, but many hundreds of thousands remain in Pakistan.
Feb 8 polls
Regarding the February 8 general elections, the military’s spokesperson stated that the voter turnout was approximately 47%, with 65 million people casting their ballots. He also mentioned that just 7.5% of the population voted for a particular political party, emphasizing that 92% of people did not align with the party’s ideology.
He asserted that “the Pakistan Army is the most trusted institution,” adding that while false narratives can be spread, they will continue to uphold the truth.
13,135 IBOs conducted in 2024
The DG ISPR reported that in 2024, security forces have carried out a total of 13,135 small and major intelligence-based operations (IBOs) against terrorists and their facilitators. In these operations, “249 terrorists were eliminated while 396 were detained.”
“The Pak Army, police, intelligence agencies, and other law enforcement agencies (LEAs) are conducting over 100 operations daily to combat terrorism.”
During these operations this year, two officers and 60 soldiers from the Pakistani forces have lost their lives.
Fauji Foundation deposits Rs223 billion as tax
The ISPR chief highlighted that an integrated welfare system is in place for soldiers. He also mentioned that the Pakistan Army contributed Rs100 billion in taxes, while its subordinate departments added Rs260 billion.
“The Fauji Foundation has deposited Rs223 billion in the national treasury, DHA has contributed Rs23 billion, and the NLC Rs3.5 billion,” he stated, noting that those criticising the army often choose to live in DHA areas.
He clarified that the army’s role in the SIFC is purely supportive.
“Our task is to assist the authorities, not to take their place,” ISPR DG emphasized, adding that many countries leverage their military for economic projects.
He condemned the spread of anti-army narratives through false propaganda, asserting that the Pakistan Army has a transparent and rigorous self-accountability process that activates upon any breach.
Judges letter’s case
“Our system of accountability relies on facts, not accusations,” he said. He also noted that the Supreme Court is currently hearing the matter of the high court judges. “There’s no reason to involve the armed forces in political issues,” he concluded.