Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Major General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry addressed a press conference in Rawalpindi on Tuesday and addressed critical issues plaguing Pakistan’s socio-political landscape.
With a focus on transparency and accountability, Maj Gen Chaudhry shed light on the aftermath of the May 9 riots, emphasizing the imperative of justice to maintain faith in the country’s legal system.
He also outlined the military’s stance on dialogue with political factions, highlighting the necessity for sincere apologies and constructive engagement, particularly in the case of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). As the nation grapples with challenges ranging from terrorism to political discord, the press conference provided insights into the military’s stance and its commitment to ensuring stability and security within Pakistan.
The six key points discussed in the press conference are outlined below:
May 9 Riots:
DG ISPR Major General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry emphasized the need to punish the perpetrators and facilitators of the May 9 riots to uphold the country’s justice system. He highlighted that the incident was not just a concern for the Pakistan Army but for the entire nation, criticizing the brainwashing of some individuals against the armed forces.
Path for PTI:
Maj Gen Chaudhry asserted that the only way back for the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) would be through a public apology. He made it clear that the PTI must renounce the politics of anarchy and adopt a constructive approach to regain trust and engage in meaningful dialogue.
No Dialogue with Anarchist Groups:
Maj Gen Chaudhry stated that there would be no talks with any political leader or group involved in attacking the army or spreading propaganda against it. He emphasized the importance of constructive politics and sincere apologies from such groups as prerequisites for any dialogue.
Judicial Commission and Terrorist Attacks:
The DG ISPR expressed the army’s readiness for a judicial inquiry into the May 9 riots. However, he insisted that such a commission should delve into deeper issues, including past incidents like the 2014 sit-in, attacks on the Parliament and PTV building, and the storming of Islamabad in 2022.
TTP’s Use of Afghan Soil:
Highlighting the issue of terrorism, the military spokesperson provided evidence of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) using Afghan soil to launch attacks against Pakistan. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to counter-terrorism efforts, stating that the security forces would spare no effort to eliminate terrorist networks.
Repatriation of Afghan Refugees and Counter-Terrorism Efforts:
DG ISPR discussed Pakistan’s efforts in repatriating illegal Afghan nationals to address the deteriorating law and order situation. He provided details of the army’s anti-terror operations in 2024, highlighting the sacrifices made by security personnel and the ongoing commitment to maintaining peace and security in the country.
