Rawalpindi: The top military commanders on Tuesday expressed dismay that some segments of polity and social media were “maligning the armed forces” with “unsubstantiated allegations of interference” in the electoral process.
The military’s media wing, in a statement, mentioned that the army’s reservations came during the 263rd Corps Commanders’ Conference (CCC) held at GHQ, with Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir in the chair.
According to a press release issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the forum noted that the armed forces provided a secure environment for the conduct of the General Election 2024 and “had nothing to do with the electoral process”.
“However, the forum expressed dismay that some vested small segments of polity and media especially social media have been maligning the Armed Forces of Pakistan with unsubstantiated allegations of interference which is highly deplorable.
“It’s unfortunate that rather than focusing on real issues such as good governance, economic recovery, political stability and public well-being, the entire focus of such vested elements is on creating political instability and uncertainty by attempting to scapegoat others for their own failings,” it said.
The top brass emphasised that “due legal processes” would be followed with evidence and proof “rather than resorting to unconstitutional and uncalled for baseless political rhetoric and emotional outbursts”.
The ISPR said the forum was satisfied with the “smooth democratic transition of power in the Centre and provinces” and hoped that the post-election environment would bring in the desired political and economic stability.
“The forum expressed that it strongly believed that democratic consolidation is the way forward for the country,” the military’s media affairs wing said.
The participants also appreciated the efforts of the civil administration, law enforcement agencies and security forces for providing assistance during the February 8 elections “despite overwhelming odds”.
The ISPR statement further said that the top brass was committed to bring the “planners, instigators, abettors and perpetrators/desecrators of Shuhada monuments and attackers of military installations on May 9” to justice under the law and Constitution “in line with the resolve” of the prime minister.