The Pakistan Army has described the May 9 protests as a “black chapter” in the country’s history.
Islamabad:
Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the media wing of the Pakistani army, has described the May 9 events as a “black chapter” in the country’s history, The Express Tribune reported.
In a statement released in Urdu on Wednesday, ISPR referred to the protests that took place after the arrest of former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan. ISPR said the protests were particularly aimed at army property and facilities.
In a strongly worded statement, the military’s media wing reiterated that no one should take the law into their own hands. Citing the statement and the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) law, the ISPR justified the arrest of Pakistan’s Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Imran Khan, according to the news report.
ISPR said that after Imran Khan’s arrest, there was a wave of attacks on army properties and facilities, as well as anti-army slogans. She condemned these actions and expressed concern at the tactics used by certain elements within the protest groups.
“Soon after [Khan’s arrest]”Organized attacks on army property and facilities have taken place, and anti-army slogans have been uttered,” the military’s media wing said, according to a report by the Express Tribune.
ISPR has criticized the protesters, calling their actions an attempt to manipulate sentiment in the country for their own limited and selfish ends. The military wing said: “This is an example of hypocrisy. He stressed the importance of maintaining law and order and stressed the need to respect Pakistan’s institutions, according to The Express Tribune’s report.
According to the statement, the army has shown the utmost tolerance, patience and restraint, and has worked with the utmost patience and perseverance in the best interest of the country. ISPR said in the statement: “According to strategy, a situation was created in which the army’s response was used for nefarious political purposes, which was thwarted by the army’s vigilant response.”
It went on to say, “We are well aware that there was some orders, directives and full planning behind this from some nefarious party leaders.” The ISPR said those involved in the promotion, planning and political incitement have been identified and strict legal measures are taken against them. ISPR warned that “vigorous and decisive action” would be taken in the event of further attacks on military and government facilities, the news report said.
Attacks and vandalism by PTI personnel have been reported at PAFMM Alam Mianwali airbase, The Pakistan Daily reported in a tweet. Following the arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday afternoon, several violent protests erupted across Pakistan, including at Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi and at the Corps Commander’s residence in Lahore, which was once the home of Mohammed Ali Jinnah.
Across Pakistan including Lahore, Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Faisalabad, Karachi, Quetta, people took to the streets, resorted to violence and arson and even shouted many slogans to express their displeasure at the arrest of former Pakistani Prime Minister and PTI chief Imran Khan to express. Mardan, Bannu and Chilas.
The protesting mob threw stones at homes, offices and vehicles, burned banners and tires, and blocked roads. Several videos that have surfaced on social media platforms show groups of men, some with their faces covered, entering the fenced compound of the headquarters with sticks, which they later used to bang on the walls.
(Except for the headline, this article was not edited by NDTV staff and is published via a syndicated feed.)