RAWALPINDI, May 25, 2023: Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Gen Asim Munir said on Thursday that the nation will “neither forgive nor forget” those involved in desecrating the memorials of martyrs and damaging their dignity.
This remark of the COAS had come out on the occasion of Pakistan Martyrs’ Day.
Earlier this week, Gen Munir condemned the attack on military installations and monuments on May 9, when violent protests erupted in the country following the arrest of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan as intolerable and declared It was said that the country’s martyrs would be paid homage on May 25 (today).
Earlier, a ceremony was also held at the General Headquarters in Rawalpindi, in which Army Chief Munir and his predecessor, Gen Retired Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa, participated.
According to a press release issued by Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) today, the Army Chief visited Islamabad Police Lines, where he was received by Inspector General of Police Dr Akbar Nasir Khan.
He met the police officers and the families of the martyrs.
Speaking during the ceremony, COAS Munir said that what happened on May 9 was very sad and condemnable.
The army’s media wing quoted him as saying, “The Pakistan Army, police, and law enforcement agencies are the symbol and line of defence of the state and do not hesitate to make any sacrifice for the dignity of the country and nation.”
“Gen Munir told the families of the martyrs that the people of Pakistan and the Pakistan Army stand and will continue to stand with the families of the martyrs of all law enforcement agencies,” the statement added.
On the other hand, at a meeting held at the Governor House Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed his strong disapproval of the violent acts perpetrated by individuals following the alleged orders of PTI chief Imran Khan.
He emphasised that such individuals do not deserve any leniency.
During the gathering of political leaders, PM Shehbaz highlighted the unprecedented nature of the violence witnessed recently, stating that in the 75-year history of Pakistan, no one had dared to commit such acts of aggression.
He further asserted that while political party workers often engaged in peaceful protests, they had never resorted to attacking military installations.
PM Shehbaz announced that the individuals involved in the attacks on civilian installations would face trial in anti-terrorism courts. He assured that the law would be upheld, and those responsible for targeting military facilities would be duly apprehended.
The premier also underscored the profound impact of the May 9 events on the Pakistani nation, lamenting the destruction of historical heritage. He criticised Imran Khan, accusing him of hypocrisy for seeking assistance from countries he had previously shunned.