Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General (DG) Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said on Friday that those responsible for the planning of the violent protests on May 9 will face justice, asserting that the accountability process will not stop until the planners of the incidents are held fully accountable.
Addressing a press conference in Rawalpindi, the DG ISPR spoke on range of issues including counter-terrorism operations in 2024, cross border terrorism and May 9 violent protests.
The briefing comes amid growing security concerns, with a noticeable increase in attacks targeting security forces and law enforcement agencies, particularly in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP).
Addressing the presser, the military’s spokesperson underscored that no political leader’s desire for power should take precedence over the nation’s well-being.
“We respect all political parties and their leadership,” ISPR spokesperson said in response to a question about the rumored backdoor discussions between Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and the military.
“However, no individual, his politics, or his desire for power is above Pakistan,” he added firmly, emphasising the military’s commitment to the country’s interests over political maneuvering.
He also welcomed the concept of dialogue among political factions to resolve differences. “It is encouraging that politicians sit together and solve their problems through conversation,” said Chaudhry, reflecting a positive stance on political engagement.
‘925 terrorists killed in 2024’
DG ISPR outlined the Pakistan military’s efforts against terrorism, reporting a significant number of successful operations in 2024.
He revealed that security forces had carried out a total of 59,775 operations this year, emphasising the significant sacrifices made by Pakistan in its fight against terrorism.
He stated that these operations resulted in the death of 925 terrorists, including members of terrorist groups such as the khawarij, marking the highest number of terrorist fatalities in the past five years.
The ISPR spokesperson noted that the operations were not only successful in neutralizing terrorists but also in capturing numerous militants.
Additionally, 73 high-value targets, including some of the most-wanted terrorists, were eliminated during the operations, DG ISPR said, adding that among those targeted was the leader of Fitna al Khawarij, a prominent terrorist group based in Malakand Division.
He also provided a look ahead, saying that he would address important matters regarding Pakistan’s national security and defense in 2024, especially in light of the changing regional situation.
The ISPR official highlighted that more than 179 operations were being conducted daily by the Pakistan Army, law enforcement agencies, intelligence services, and the police to maintain security across the country.
In a recent attack, 16 Pakistani soldiers were martyred last week when terrorists ambushed a checkpost in South Waziristan’s Makeen area. The attack was met with a swift response from the armed forces, which killed eight militants in the ensuing firefight.
The military continued its operations with an intelligence-based operation (IBO) in the region, which led to the killing of 13 more terrorists. The following day, another 13 militants were killed during three separate security operations across KP’s Bannu, North Waziristan, and South Waziristan districts.
Today’s press conference also comes after the military court issued its verdict, holding 60 individuals accountable for their role in the May 9 unrest.
Previously, the ISPR also announced the sentencing of 85 civilians for their involvement in violent protests on May 9 last year. These protests, which the military claims were coordinated by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), resulted in the protesters being sentenced to prison terms ranging from two to ten years.
Earlier this month, former intelligence chief Lieutenant General Faiz Hameed, who was arrested by the military in August, was formally indicted on charges of engaging in political activities.
During his previous press conference on September 5, DG ISPR had stated that Field General Court Martial (FGCM) proceedings against Gen Hameed were initiated following a thorough inquiry based on substantial evidence.
