Islamabad: According to The Express Tribune, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the media arm of the Pakistan Army, has termed the events of 9 May as a “dark chapter” in the country’s history. The ISPR, in a statement issued in Urdu on Wednesday, referred to the protests following the arrest of former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan. The ISPR said the protests specifically targeted army property and installations.
In a strongly worded statement, the army’s media wing said that no one would be allowed to take law into their own hands. Citing the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) statement and the law, the ISPR justified the arrest of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan, according to news reports.
The ISPR said that after the arrest of Imran Khan, a wave of attacks on army properties and establishments was witnessed with anti-army slogans being raised. It condemned those actions and raised its concerns about the tactics used by some elements within protest groups.
“soon after [Khan’s arrest]Organized attacks were carried out on Army properties and installations and anti-army slogans were raised, the army’s media wing said, The Express Tribune reported.
ISPR criticized the protesters and termed their actions as an attempt to manipulate the sentiments of the country for their own limited and selfish purposes. The military wing said, “This is an example of hypocrisy. As reported by The Express Tribune, it stressed the importance of maintaining law and order and highlighted the need to respect Pakistan’s institutions.”
According to the statement, the Army has displayed utmost forbearance, patience and fortitude and acted with utmost patience and forbearance in the best interest of the country. “As per the strategy, a situation was created to use the army response for nefarious political purposes, which was thwarted by the alert response of the army,” the ISPR said in the statement.
It further said, ‘We are well aware that there were some orders, instructions and complete planning by some nefarious leaders of the party behind this.’ The ISPR said those involved in facilitation, planning and political provocation have been identified and strict action will be taken against them as per law. According to news reports, the ISPR warned that “strong and decisive action” would be taken in the event of any further attacks on military and state installations.
The Pakistan Daily reported in a tweet that attacks and vandalism have been reported by PTI workers at PAFMM Alam Air Base Mianwali. Following the arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday afternoon, several violent protests took place across Pakistan, including at the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi and the Corps Commander’s residence in Lahore.
All over Pakistan including Lahore, Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Faisalabad, Karachi, Quetta people took to the streets against the arrest of former Pakistan PM and PTI chief Imran Khan, resorting to violence, arson and even raised many slogans. Mardan, Bannu and Chilas.
Protesting mobs pelted stones at houses, offices and vehicles, burnt banners and tires and blocked roads. Several videos emerging on social media platforms show groups of men, some with their faces covered, entering the gated compound of GHQ with sticks, which they are later seen using to beat down on the walls Were.