By Zain Khan Watozai
In a comprehensive press briefing, the Director General of the Inter-Services Public Relations (DG ISPR), Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif, stressed the significance of the May 9, 2023, events, where violent attacks were carried out on military installations across Pakistan. He labeled the riots a direct assault on the state and declared that those responsible would be brought to justice, including the masterminds.
“This is not a case for the Pakistan Armed Forces alone—it is the case of the people of Pakistan,” General Sharif asserted. He urged citizens to reflect on the implications of supporting such actions, particularly parents of those involved, highlighting the long-term consequences of these decisions. “Parents must think wisely about who they supported and what it brought to them—imprisonment and irreparable harm.”
His comments follow the recent sentencing of 85 individuals by military courts, with penalties ranging from two to ten years of imprisonment. These civilians were found guilty of involvement in the May 9 attacks, which targeted sensitive military sites and caused nationwide alarm.
The DG ISPR made it clear that the military would not rest until all those involved, particularly the masterminds, were held accountable. “We will not rest until the masterminds of May 9 are served justice,” he stated emphatically, underscoring the armed forces’ commitment to ensuring national stability and upholding the rule of law.
While May 9 remained the focus, General Sharif also briefly touched upon regional security concerns, particularly the resurgence of the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and the situation in Afghanistan. He called on Afghan authorities to prevent their territory from being used against Pakistan, reminding them of their commitments under international agreements.
“Our resolve to counter terrorism remains firm,” he said. “The armed forces will continue to act decisively against those attempting to destabilize Pakistan, whether within the country or across our borders.”
The press conference highlighted the broader implications of the May 9 events as a national crisis, calling for unity among Pakistanis to safeguard the state. As the military courts continue their proceedings and national security remains a critical concern, the DG ISPR’s address reaffirmed the resolve to bring accountability and justice in a time of heightened political and social challenges.
