Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General (DG) Maj-Gen Ahmed Sharif is currently addressing a press conference in Rawalpindi.
The military spokesperson said the purpose of addressing the media today was to provide “facts” regarding the events of May 9. Riots broke out after the arrest of the PTI chief, with rioters targetting military facilities and monuments dedicated to the martyrs.
“Ladies and gentlemen, the incident of May 9 is extremely disappointing, condemnable and a black chapter in the history of our country,” he said. “The events of May 9 have proven that what enemies couldn’t do in 76 years, a bunch of miscreants and their facilitators did.”
Live: Director General Inter Services Public Relations Major General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry addressing a press conference in #Rawalpindi@OfficialDGISPRhttps://t.co/CQ6wWwA5d8
— Radio Pakistan (@RadioPakistan) June 26, 2023
The DG ISPR went on to say that the incident was “undoubtedly a conspiracy against Pakistan”.
“The investigation held until now has proven that [the events] of May 9 were being planned for the past several months,” he said. “Under this planning, first a conducive environment was created and people were instigated and provoked against the army.
Read more: DG ISPR brushes aside rumours about resignations of senior army officers
“Then, in this connection, a narrative based on lies and exaggeration was spread on social media inside and outside the country,” Maj-Gen Sharif stated, adding that the authorities had obtained evidence against them.
The DG ISPR said that there was a huge amount of grief and anger among the heirs of martyrs and veterans over the events of May 9.
He highlighted that the Pakistan Army was laying martyrs to rest every day while operations against terrorists were underway. “While the Pakistan Army is giving these sacrifices, on the other hand, unfortunately, filthy propaganda was done on the basis of a false narrative for nefarious political objectives.”
Read more: May 9 a dark day of national history: ISPR
Maj-Gen Sharif said the families of the martyrs were hurt and “they ask all of us today if their loved ones rendered these sacrifices for the nation so that their memorials are disrespected in such a manner”.
“The heirs of the martyrs are asking of all of us, especially the army chief, whether they would be able to protect the honour of the martyred soldiers from these miscreants.”