Pak Army sacks 3 officers including Lt-Gen for failing to protect military installations following arrest of Imran Khan
3 min read 26 Jun 2023, 08:37 PM ISTPakistan Army has sacked three officers, including a Lieutenant-General, and taken action against three major generals and seven brigadiers for failing to protect key military installations during the May 9 violence that followed the arrest of former prime minister Imran Khan
PremiumPakistan Army on Monday announced that three officers including a Lieutenant-General were sacked and action was taken against three major generals and seven brigadiers for failing to protect key military installations during the May 9 violence following the arrest of former prime minister Imran Khan.
Addressing a press conference on the "facts" of May 9, military spokesman Major General Arshad Sharif Sharif said, "Ladies and gentlemen, the incident of May 9 is extremely disappointing, condemnable and a black chapter in the history of our country."
Supporters of Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party vandalised over 20 military installations and government buildings, including the Lahore Corps Commander House, Mianwali airbase and the ISI building in Faisalabad. The Army headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi was also attacked by the mob for the first time.
"After a deliberate accountability process, keeping the requests of in-court inquiries in view, disciplinary proceedings were initiated against those who failed to keep the security and honour of garrisons, military installations, Jinnah House and General Headquarters intact.
"Three officers, including a Lieutenant-General, have been removed and strict disciplinary proceedings completed against other officers, including three major generals and seven brigadiers, have been completed," he said.
He said probes were carried out by officers of major general level officers.
Without giving details, including the identity of the officers, Maj Gen Sharif said that the action taken by the army shows that there is a system of strict self-accountability within the military and action is taken irrespective of post or position.
The events of May 9 have proven that what enemies couldn't do in 76 years, a bunch of miscreants and their facilitators did," the DG ISPR said, highlighting that the incident was "undoubtedly a conspiracy against Pakistan".
He further stated that the investigation held until now has proven that May 9 incidents were planned for the past several months.
"Under this planning, first a conducive environment was created and people were instigated and provoked against the army," Major Sharif added.
He said that a narrative based on lies and exaggeration was spread on social media inside and outside the country, adding that the authorities had obtained evidence against them, according to Dawn.
The DG ISPR said that there was a huge amount of grief and anger among the veterans over the events of May 9.
Maj-Gen Sharif said the families of the soldiers, who were killed during the riot, were hurt and "they ask all of us today if their loved ones rendered these sacrifices for the nation so that their memorials are disrespected in such a manner".
The DG ISPR stressed that stability in any country was based on the relationship shared by the army and the citizens. He said that despite attempts, the enemy was unable to dent the relationship of "trust and respect between the army and the people".
The May 9 violence elicited a strong reaction from the government and military with vows of taking action against the culprits, leading to an ongoing crackdown against those involved.
