In a press conference held in Rawalpindi, Major General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, the Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (DG ISPR), emphasized the need to hold perpetrators and facilitators of the May 9 riots accountable in accordance with the Constitution and the law of the land, underscoring the importance of preserving faith in the country’s justice system. He stated that the issue transcends the Pakistan Army, implicating the entire nation. The spokesperson condemned the manipulation of public sentiment against the armed forces and highlighted the selective targeting by some political leaders. He urged for decisive action against those involved in the riots and rejected any dialogue with groups engaging in anti-state activities, advocating instead for sincere apologies and constructive engagement. Regarding calls for a judicial inquiry, he expressed the army’s willingness, emphasizing the need for comprehensive investigation into related incidents, including previous protests and attacks on state institutions. Addressing terrorism, he presented evidence of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) using Afghan soil for attacks in Pakistan, reiterating Pakistan’s commitment to counter-terrorism efforts. Additionally, he discussed the challenges posed by Afghan refugees and reaffirmed the army’s dedication to maintaining law and order, despite ongoing security threats.
