COAS says ‘orchestrated May 9 violence will never be allowed again’

RAWALPINDI: Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir said that ‘recently planned and orchestrated tragic incidents’ of May 9, the day military installations were attacked, will never be allowed again at any cost, ARY News reported on Wednesday.

“No one will be allowed to disrespect our martyrs and their monuments. They are a source of inspiration and pride for the rank and file of the Armed Forces, Law Enforcement Agencies, Government officials and the people of Pakistan,” the army chief said during his visit to Sialkot Garrison.

According to Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), COAS Asim Munir visited Sialkot Garrison and laid floral wreath at Martyrs’ Monument while paying paid rich tribute to the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the pride, honor and dignity of the nation.

“The martyrs have been promised the highest abode in the life hereafter and shall continue to maintain the highest levels of respect amongst the people of Pakistan,” he said.

COAS Munir further said that the State of Pakistan and Armed Forces will always maintain all martyrs and their families in very high esteem and continue to honor them and their supreme sacrifices with utmost respect and dignity.

The army chief underscored that recently planned and orchestrated tragic incidents will never be allowed again at any cost.

He reassured the ranks and files that all those responsible for bringing shame to the nation on Black Day of 9th May would certainly be brought to Justice.

He also appreciated under command formations for their hard work, devotion, high morale and professionalism.

During his interaction with officers and troops, COAS stressed upon maintaining focus on Army’s professionalism and preparedness to deal with complex internal and external security challenges including propaganda warfare.

Earlier on arrival, COAS was received by Commander Gujranwala Corps.

It is pertinent to mention here that Pakistan Army has vowed action against perpetrators who attacked military installations in ‘politically motivated and instigated incidents’ in the past few days.

The resolve was expressed during a Special Corps Commanders Conference (CCC) held at the General Headquarters (GHQ) under the chairmanship of Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir.

READ: DG ISPR SAYS ‘NO CHANCE OF MARTIAL LAW IN PAKISTAN’

The forum was briefed that a well-coordinated arson plan involving desecration of Shuhada pictures and monuments, burning down of historical buildings and vandalism of military installations was executed to malign the institution and provoke it towards giving an impulsive reaction, a press release said.

The Commanders condemned, in the strongest possible sense, these politically motivated and instigated incidents against military installations and public/private properties. The Commanders also communicated the anguish and sentiments of the rank and file of the Pakistan Army on these unfortunate and unacceptable incidents.

May 9 events

Violent clashes broke out across Pakistan after former prime minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf chief Imran Khan was arrested from the Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Tuesday.

The protests were held in remote and major cities as the party workers are agitated due to their chairman’s arrest, with Balochistan, Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Islamabad summoning the armed forces to ensure law and order.

Army installations and Corps Commander’s house in Lahore came under attack during a protest of PTI workers.

It was also reported that Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Operations Ali Nasir Rizvi sustained severe injuries while clearing the Lahore Corps Commander’s house.