By Staff Reporter
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s top military commanders on Tuesday denounced what they called “unsubstantiated allegations” of interference in the country’s recent general election, saying they had nothing to do with the electoral process and were only providing security.
The statement, issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the military’s media wing, came after a meeting of the Corps Commanders’ Conference, a gathering of the army’s senior leadership, at the General Headquarters in Rawalpindi. The meeting was chaired by the Chief of Army Staff, General Asim Munir.
“… 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,” the statement said.
“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.”
The military’s role in politics has long been a contentious issue in Pakistan, a nuclear-armed nation of 240 million people that has experienced four military coups and several periods of martial law since its independence in 1947. The army has often been accused of meddling in civilian affairs, manipulating elections, and supporting or undermining various political parties and leaders.
The latest election, held on February 8, was marred by allegations of rigging, manupulation and violence. The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party of fomer prime minister Imran Khan alleged widespread fraud by the country’s election watchdog and intimidation by the military and its intelligence agencies.
The military leaders 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 military said that “malicious efforts to create distortions, confusion and disinformation” were “absolutely futile” and “only part of an organised campaign being launched for narrow political interests, to blur the abhorrent activities that took place”.
“The forum noted with concern organised misinformation and fake news being spread by certain nefarious elements to sow despondency and divisions within the society and urged the proud people of Pakistan to remain positive and united and wholeheartedly participate in the progress and development of the country.”
The ISPR said the military 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 also appreciated the efforts of the civil administration, law enforcement agencies and security forces for providing assistance during the election “despite overwhelming odds”.
The ISPR statement further said that the military 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.
On May 9, 2023, a violent mob, allegedly supporters of PTI, stormed the headquarters of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), the powerful spy agency, in Islamabad, a resident of top military offcial in Lahore and vandalised the memorials of the martyrs of the 1965 and 1971 wars with India after the arrest of Khan in crupption charges.
A total of 102 PTI supporters and leaders were arrested for their alleged involvement in the attacks and the government and army then said the suspects would be tried in military courts. Khan, who has been accused of being behind the May 9 events, is already convicted in three cases since then. He is serving 14 years in prison.
“The participants affirmed that the Pakistan Army will continue defending and serving the nation in every possible way; in our journey towards enduring stability, prosperity and security,” the ISPR said.
The military also resolved that terrorists, their facilitators and abettors “working on the behest of hostile forces to destabilise Pakistan” would be dealt with “full might of the state”.
“The COAS directed commanders to continue consolidating the gains of efforts against terrorism and militancy.”
The military said it was “cognisant of the full spectrum of the challenges and threats” and remained committed to shoulder its “constitutionally mandated responsibilities” with the support of the “resilient people of Pakistan”.
The military also vowed to continue providing “full support to the government in combating security threats and uplifting the socio-economic growth in the country including wholehearted assistance in curbing all illegal activities including smuggling, money laundering and tax evasion”.
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