Rawalpindi (Web Desk): Director General (DG) Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Major General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry on Tuesday stated that those involved in the May 9 attacks on military installations and disgrace of martyrs' memorials should be brought to justice at the earliest in accordance with the law of the land and the Constitution.
Addressing a news conference in Rawalpindi, he said that it is not the case of Pakistan Army, but of the whole Pakistani nation.
The DG ISPR said that there are irrefutable evidences of the involvement of a particular party in the May 9 events. He said that the "narrative based on falsehood cannot sustain".
The military’s spokesperson said that they have no objection on the formation of a Judicial Commission for investigation into May 9 incidents.
He, however, said this Commission then should also probe into the objectives of 2014 sit-in and the attacks on the PTV and parliament.
“It should also be seen as to how the resources of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) were utilized for another onslaught on the federal capital,” the military’s spokesperson added.
The DG ISPR also mentioned the attempts made by a particular party to sabotage Pakistan's deal with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
Responding to a question, the ISPR chief said the Constitution of Pakistan clearly states that Pakistan's integrity, security and defence cannot be undermined in the name of freedom of expression.
He said it also bars from harming Pakistan's foreign relations with friendly countries.
“Freedom of expression does not allow ruining moral values of the society, disturbing public order, and tarnishing integrity and dignity of the higher judiciary,” he said, hoping that the parliament will go for necessary legislation to check lies, propaganda and fake news.
Replying to another question, Major General Chaudhry made it clear that the armed forces had nothing to do with the February 8 elections, except to provide a secure environment for the polling.
“Armed forces do not work in the form of allegations and counter allegations,” the ISPR chief said, urging that instead of leveling allegations, one should present evidence, if any, before the available legal and the constitutional forums of the country.
He said that the military has a robust accountability mechanism and acts promptly on the basis of evidence and facts.
The ISPR chief began the press briefing by addressing the tensions with Afghanistan and attacks mounted by terrorists from its soil into Pakistan.
He said that plot to kill Chinese engineers in Besham was hatched in neighbouring Afghanistan.
The army’s spokesperson said that the suicide bomber was the Afghan national and the vehicle used in the attack was also prepared in Afghanistan. He said four other key culprits have been arrested by the law enforcement agencies.
The DG ISPR pointed out that there are 29,000 Chinese nationals in Pakistan. Of these, 2500 Chinese are engaged with CPEC-related projects and 5500 others are working on other development projects.
Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said it is our priority to ensure security of all Chinese nationals and all possible steps are being taken in this regard.
The DG ISPR said the attack on Chinese engineers was aimed at sabotaging Pakistan-China friendship and hurt the CPEC project.
He said that armed forces of Pakistan are committed to completely dismantle terrorist groups and ensure protection of the people.
Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said security forces conducted 13, 135 five intelligence-based operations against terrorists and their facilitators.
He said that around 100 operations are carried out on daily basis.
The DG ISPR categorically said that nobody will be allowed to disturb law and order situation in the country. He said that the army chief has stated that there is no place for terrorists inside Pakistan.
He said it is because of sacrifices of the security forces personnel and the people that the country is fast heading towards peace.
“Those involved in terrorist activities have no links with the state of Pakistan and Islam,” Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said.
Referring to the situation on the eastern border, the DG ISPR said Pakistan's civil and military leadership is fully cognizant of the planning being made in India to divert attention from its internal anarchy.
Alluding to the Indian ceasefire violations, the DG ISPR said Pakistan Army has responded in a befitting manner and it will continue to do so in future.
He said Pakistan is fully prepared for the defense of its integrity and sovereignty.
“Pakistan stands by their Kashmiri brothers and sisters and will continue to extend political, diplomatic and moral support to them for their right to self-determination,” he said.
The DG ISPR said that India is also involved in extra territorial killings of Sikhs.
“There are also evidences of the involvement of India in assassination of people inside Pakistan,” he added.
Answering a question, the military’s spokesperson said that welfare organisations of the armed forces are meant for the wellbeing of martyrs and injured.
These organisations also offer multiple services to the common people in various fields, including health, education and road infrastructure. Maj Gen Chaudhry added that these institutions do not take single penny from the national exchequer and pay a tax of around Rs360 billion annually.
Regarding armed forces' role in Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), Major General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said that they are only facilitating efforts for the uplift of country's economy.
To a question, he said Pakistan has neither given nor will handover military bases to any country.
Replying to a question regarding misuse of Afghan Transit Trade, the ISPR chief said that Pakistan does not use trade as leverage for political mileage.
He, however, said that illegal spectrum, including drug trafficking, smuggling, terrorists' cross border movement, cannot be allowed in the name of trade.
Answering a question, the DG ISPR said that the matter of missing persons is a complex issue and the government takes it very seriously. He said that around 80% of cases reported before the Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances have been resolved and the rest is being pursued vigorously.
Regarding Pakistan's relations with Saudi Arabia, Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said that the two countries have a long history of cordial and brotherly relations.
“Saudi Arabia is taking keen interest in helping Pakistan's economy and it is unfortunate that some political elements do not hesitate in harming Islamabad's relations with friendly countries,” the DG ISPR said.