DG ISPR Lt. Gen. Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry says 9th May 2023 is not the case of Armed Forces but of people of Pakistan

RAWALPINDI, Dec 27 (SABAH): Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry has said that 9th May 2023 is not the case of Armed Forces but of people of Pakistan. He said that those convicted by military courts could appeal before army chief, high court and Supreme Court of Pakistan. He said that the accountability will remain continue until and unless the characters of 9th May incident are taken to task according to constitution and law. He said that the negotiations between the political parties are welcoming but these will have to be done by the political parties. He said that the political parties should resolve the issues through dialogues instead of politics of unrest.

This was stated by DG ISPR Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry while addressing a press conference at the General Headquarters (GHQ), Rawalpindi on Friday.

The ISPR DG, highlighting the armed forces’ prolonged and continued battle against terrorism, noted that the outgoing year has witnessed the highest number of terrorists eliminated compared to the past five years. “Pakistan has fought a long war against terrorism and is still fighting. It has rendered highly valued sacrifices in this fight,” he said.

He said that over 59,779 intelligence-based operations were carried out against terrorists during the past year. During these operations, 925 terrorists, including khawarij, were killed and several others were arrested. This was the biggest number of terrorists killed in a single year during the past 5 years, the military’s spokesperson said.

DG ISPR Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said that the Pakistan Army and other law enforcement agencies, including police, have been conducting more than 169 operations to counter the scourge of terrorism daily. He went on to say that the armed forces have successfully thwarted numerous terrorist plots as well.

During various operations, a significant quantity of weapons was recovered from terrorist hideouts, demonstrating the scale of the threat and the success of counter-terrorism efforts, he added.

He also emphasised that several high-profile terrorists were neutralised in these operations, marking a critical achievement in the fight against extremism.

Additionally, 73 most-wanted terrorists were eliminated, further strengthening the nation’s resolve to eradicate terrorism in all its forms, he added.

Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said that two suicide bombers were also apprehended, while 14 wanted terrorists surrendered to the authorities. He further shared that 383 officers and soldiers have embraced martyrdom in the ongoing fight against terrorism.

While highlighting the achievements in the fight against terrorism, the army’s spokesperson shed light on the lives laid in the way of country’s defence.

He posed a question regarding the sacrifices of Pakistan’s soldiers, saying: “Is there no value for the blood of the soldiers who laid down their lives fighting the menace of insurgency?”

He highlighted the tremendous cost being borne by the armed forces. “Everyone must realise that our soldiers are paying the price for these decisions with their blood,” he added.

Referring to a recent tragic incident, the army’s spokesperson said: “Sixteen FC soldiers were martyred just six days ago. Does their blood hold no value?”

Highlighting regional challenges, the ISPR DG said that Pakistan has consistently worked towards establishing peace in Afghanistan. However, despite these efforts, terrorist activities originating from Afghan soil continue to pose a threat to Pakistan, he added.

He emphasised that the roots of terrorism are often traced back to Afghanistan, and Pakistan remains determined to dismantle terrorist networks without compromise.

The military’s spokesperson also pointed out that significant progress has been made in curbing smuggling, marking an achievement in enhancing border security and economic stability.

He also noted the ongoing repatriation of undocumented Afghan nationals, emphasising that the process is being conducted systematically.

Addressing the fight against terrorism, the ISPR DG provided an overview of the military’s operations. He further revealed that 27 Afghan terrorists were eliminated, and detained suicide bombers from Balochistan have made shocking confessions about their indoctrination.

Highlighting the army’s sacrifices in the fight against terrorism were, he said: “This year, 383 officers and soldiers have laid down their lives for the nation.”

He said that the menace of terrorism persists due to cross-border activities. “Networks operating from Afghan soil continue to target Pakistan, but we are resolute in eliminating them.”

The ISPR DG emphasised the importance of prioritising Pakistan’s security in dealings with Afghanistan. “We want Afghanistan to ensure that insurgents are not given precedence over Pakistan,” he remarked.

He further revealed that discussions with Afghanistan are ongoing through friendly nations. “Dialogue is also being conducted with Afghanistan through our allied countries,” Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry confirmed.

The ISPR DG called for a united national effort to combat terrorism, asserting: “The entire nation must stand together with institutions to fight this scourge. A secure Pakistan is a strong Pakistan.”

He stressed that the root causes of terrorism must be addressed. “Terrorism will only be eradicated when we ensure justice, education, healthcare, and good governance,” he said, adding: “It will also require dismantling the nexus between terrorism and organised crime.”
Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry emphasised the military’s continued commitment to enhancing border security. “We have seen a marked decline in unauthorised movements across our borders, reflecting the effectiveness of our measures,” he said during the briefing.

Discussing regional tensions, Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry reaffirmed the Pakistan Army’s readiness to counter any aggression from India. “The Pakistan Army possesses the capability to deliver a decisive response to any Indian hostility,” he said.

Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry highlighted the persistent threats emanating from the eastern border, saying: “We are fully aware of the dangers posed by India along our eastern front.”

He said that Indian forces have violated the ceasefire agreement 25 times this year, underscoring the volatile nature of the region.

Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry condemned India’s oppressive measures against freedom movements within its states. “Indian forces are using brutal tactics to suppress movements for independence,” he said.

Despite these challenges, he reassured that Pakistan’s armed forces remain steadfast in their commitment to national security and public welfare. He also condemned India’s ongoing oppression in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). “India has turned occupied Kashmir into a hotbed of violence, and its blatant violations of international laws are evident to the world,” the ISPR DG remarked.

He expressed solidarity with the oppressed Kashmiris, adding: “We stand firmly with the people of occupied Kashmir and will continue to provide them with legal, diplomatic, and moral support.”

Furthermore, DG ISPR accused the Indian government of targeting minorities, including Sikhs, both within its borders and abroad. “India’s systematic genocide of minorities and involvement in killing Sikhs internationally exposes its agenda,” he said, adding that such actions are part of a larger conspiracy.

Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry also called attention to India’s diversionary tactics, including false flag operations, aimed at deflecting attention from its internal issues. “Our civil and military leadership is fully aware of India’s strategies to shift focus from its own problems,” he stressed.

Reiterating the military’s stance, the ISPR DG said: “We will continue to defend our borders and uphold the rights of oppressed communities, particularly in occupied Kashmir, with unwavering resolve.”

Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering support for the people of occupied Kashmir. “Our principled stance remains firm: we will continue to extend legal, diplomatic, and moral support to the oppressed people of occupied Kashmir,” he said. The army’s spokesperson emphasised the military’s solidarity with the Kashmiri people, standing by their rightful struggle for justice and self-determination.

Discussing the military’s contributions to public welfare, DG ISPR highlighted the Pakistan Army’s active engagement in social and community development projects. “The Pakistan Army is wholeheartedly involved in initiatives aimed at public welfare, focusing on improving the lives of the people,” he said.

The ISPR DG also spoke about the robust training framework within the armed forces. “Training begins from the very first day of joining the Pakistan Army,” he explained, adding that a variety of training programmes are continuously conducted to ensure the highest standards of readiness and professionalism.

“Extensive exercises, both within the army and in collaboration with allied nations, are a regular feature of our operations,” DG ISPR noted.

Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry urged collective responsibility to address national challenges effectively. “The need of the hour is for all of us to come together and play our roles, both individually and collectively, to contribute to the nation’s progress and security,” he remarked. The spokesperson detailed the ongoing public welfare initiatives under the guidance of Army Chief General Asim Munir.

“Projects aimed at the betterment of the people are being actively pursued,” he said. He shared notable progress, including the launch of 6,500 educational programmes in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the construction of three dams in Balochistan, which aim to enhance the quality of life in these regions.

Highlighting the Pakistan Army’s role in national development, the army’s spokesperson mentioned several public welfare projects initiated in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and Balochistan.

“The military actively participates in projects aimed at improving the lives of citizens,” he said. These efforts, he noted, demonstrate the army’s commitment to social and economic progress across the country.

While responding to a question, Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry made it clear that the events of May 9, 2023, were not just the army’s issue but one that concerned the entire nation. “The case of May 9 is not the case of the Pakistan Army, it is the case of the people of Pakistan,” he said. He clarified that military courts have been a part of Pakistan’s judicial system for decades, in line with the constitution and law. “Military courts have been established for decades, in accordance with the constitution and law,” he said. He also pointed out that these courts had received validation from the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

“The ICJ has also ratified military courts,” he said. DG ISPR reassured that the legal process was thorough, allowing for multiple levels of appeals.

“The accused can appeal the sentence in the Court of Appeal, the Army Chief, the High Court, and the Supreme Court,” he explained. He made it clear that anyone involved in similar incidents in the future would face similar consequences. “If anyone is involved in such incidents in the future, they will be punished,” he warned.

The ISPR DG highlighted that military courts provide the accused with the right to legal representation, witnesses, and evidence. “In military courts, the accused have the right to bring witnesses and evidence,” he clarified. The military’s spokesperson also reminded that those who were now criticising the military courts had previously supported them. “Those who are speaking now were the ones who previously supported military courts,” he said.

Recalling that the people who are against the military court sentencing had earlier claimed that the army was involved in the May 9 attacks, he said: “They used to say that it was the army’s people who did this, so now be happy that our own people are being punished.”

Referring to the political instability in the West, he remarked: “In Western countries, political extremists are not given a platform.” He expressed concern over the impact of toxic propaganda, particularly on young people. “Young people have been manipulated through toxic propaganda to stand against institutions and the state,” he said.

Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry advised parents to recognise how their children had been exploited in this regard. “Parents should see how their children have been used,” he said.

He also pointed out the role of some individuals in poisoning the minds of the youth for their own political gains. “Some people poison the minds of the youth for their own political purposes,” he added.

The ISPR DG concluded by saying that the pursuit of justice would continue until the planners and perpetrators of May 9 face legal consequences. “The process of justice will continue until the planners and actors of May 9 are brought to justice,” he affirmed.

DG ISPR also shed light on May 9, revealing: “There was a coordinated conspiracy and planning behind the events.” He made it clear that those involved in this plot must be held accountable, saying: “It is essential to bring those involved in this conspiracy to justice.”

Reflecting on the continuity of the situation, he noted, “Even in November 2024, we saw the continuation of the events of May 9.”

The ISPR DG referred to the Ministry of Interior’s statement issued earlier this month, explaining that “On December 1, the Ministry of Interior issued a detailed statement.”

He further clarified that the military was not deployed to control violent crowds, saying: “The military was not deployed to control the violent mobs.” He highlighted that the deployment of the army was limited to the Red Zone.

Discussing the role of armed guards and violent mobs, DG ISPR pointed out: “The political leadership’s armed guards and individuals within the crowd were carrying firearms.” He also remarked that the presence of weapons among the protesters was visible, noting, “We saw weapons with the protesters on the media and social media.”

The army’s spokesperson explained that fake news was used to divert attention from the chaos. “Fake news was used to distract from the meaningless unrest.”

He further asserted that the army does not take sides with any particular political party or ideology, saying: “The army is neither opposed to nor in support of any particular political party or ideology.”

Addressing the conspiracy behind the events of November 26, Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry stressed that it was a form of political terrorism. “The thinking behind the conspiracy of November 26 is political terrorism,” he said.

He also condemned the false narrative surrounding the martyrdom of thousands of workers, saying: “On November 26, a false narrative was spread about the martyrdom of thousands of workers.” The ISPR DG voiced concern over the manipulation of public trust, saying that “they are confident that they can sell any lie”.

He also expressed respect for all political parties and their leadership, saying: “For us, all political parties and political leadership are respectable.” He emphasised that no political leader’s desire for power should surpass the well-being of Pakistan.

The ISPR DG welcomed the notion of dialogue among politicians to resolve their issues. “It is encouraging that politicians sit together and solve their problems through conversation.”

The military’s spokesperson also touched on the issue of misinformation, describing it as a growing challenge. “Pakistan faces billions of rupees’ worth of illegal spectrums, part of which fuels fake news,” he explained.