—— ISPR terms countrywide violent protests as ‘an example of hypocrisy’
—— Says Forces will respond in retaliation in case of further attacks
—— Adds Army showed extreme patience, tolerance, restraint
—— Warns facilitators, planners, and marchers of violent protests to face consequences as per law
RAWALPINDI: In a rare response, the armed forces said on Wednesday that May 9, 2023 — the day when chaos gripped the nation following Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan’s arrest — would go down in history as a “dark chapter”.
In a statement, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said after the PTI chief’s arrest from the Islamabad High Court on National Accountability Bureau’s orders, a “well-thought-out plan” was witnessed in which the army was targetted.
“Soon after [Khan’s arrest], there were organised attacks on army properties and installations and anti-army slogans were raised,” the military’s media wing said.
The ISPR called the PTI leaders “hypocrites” for inciting their workers against the armed forces on the one hand, and other, they were praising the military — in a bid to overshadow their criticism.
“On the one hand, these evil elements vigorously stir up public sentiments to fulfil their narrow and selfish goals and on the other, they do not get tired of highlighting the importance of the army for the country while throwing dust in the eyes of the people. This is an example of hypocrisy.”
The military’s media wing added that a group of people — draping political garb in their lust for power — have done unprecedented damages to the country that Pakistan’s enemies since its inception have not.
“The army showed extreme patience, tolerance and restraint and without caring about its own reputation worked with extreme patience and endur-ance in the wider interest of the country.”
The statement mentioned that when such a situation was created under nefarious, a heinous bid was made to force the military to give an immediate response, which could be used for nefarious political purposes. “The army’s mature response, however, thwarted this conspiracy.
We are well aware that behind it were orders, directives and complete pre-planning by some sinister party leadership,” the statement added.
The facilitators, planners, and political activists involved in the protests have been identified and now, strict action will be taken against them “in line with the law and all these evil elements will now be responsible for the consequences”, the army said.
The ISPR added that any further attack — by the “very group that wants to push Pakistan into a civil war” — on the army, including all law en-forcement agencies, military, and state installations and properties will be met with severe retaliation.
“No one can be allowed to incite people and take the law into their hands,” the statement added. —ISPR
