General Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff (COAS), said on Wednesday that the armed forces would not allow the May 9 incidents to happen “again at any cost.”
During their protests following the arrest of party chairman Imran Khan on May 9, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) workers vandalised the martyrs’ monument, the Lahore Corps Commander House, and the General Headquarters.
“No one will be allowed to disrespect our shuhada [martyrs] and their monuments,” the army commander remarked during a visit to the martyrs’ monument, where he paid rich tribute to the martyrs who gave their lives for the nation’s pride, honor, and dignity.
“The State of Pakistan and its Armed Forces will always hold all Shuhada and their families in the highest regard and will continue to honour them and their supreme sacrifices with the utmost respect and dignity.”
The army chief also praised under-command units for their dedication, hard work, excellent morale, and professionalism.
COAS emphasised the army’s professionalism and readiness to deal with complex internal and foreign security problems, including propaganda warfare, during his interactions with officers and men.
The government claims to have “evidence” that PTI employees were involved in the attacks on military sites, but the party has distanced itself from the vandals, arguing that it promotes peace rather than violence.
Several PTI leaders have also jumped ship after the army and the government alike supported the decision of trying the vandals under the Pakistan Army Act.
