ISLAMABAD(Reuters)-In a recent development, Pakistan’s army has taken action against three senior officers, including a lieutenant general, following violent attacks on military assets by supporters of ex-prime minister Imran Khan. The army’s spokesperson made a rare public announcement on Monday, revealing the outcome of an internal inquiry. Major General Ahmad Sharif Chaudhry stated that over 100 individuals are currently on trial in military courts for their involvement in last month’s unrest. However, specific details regarding the composition of civilians and military officials among the defendants were not disclosed, and the names of the dismissed senior officers were withheld.
This move has sparked concerns among human rights groups, who have questioned the fairness of military trials for civilians in Pakistan. Three petitions challenging the trials, including one from Khan’s party, have been filed in the Supreme Court. The violence in May saw thousands of Khan’s supporters vandalize military installations across the country, leading to the arrest of over 5,000 individuals, most of whom were later released. Major General Chaudhry emphasized the need to investigate security breaches at army installations and determine the causes behind them.
Furthermore, two departmental inquiries were conducted under the supervision of major generals, resulting in appropriate disciplinary actions based on their recommendations. Additionally, strict departmental measures have been taken against 15 other army officers, including three major generals and seven brigadiers, as part of internal accountabilty.
Major General Ahmad Sharif Chaudhry, addressing a press conference in Rawalpindi, disclosed that at least 102 individuals are currently on trial in military courts for their involvement in the violent incidents that occurred last month. The trials relate to the widespread unrest triggered by Khan’s arrest and subsequent protests. However, specific information regarding the composition of the defendants, distinguishing between civilians and military officials, was not provided. Similarly, the names of the dismissed senior officers were not revealed.
Concerns have been raised by human rights groups regarding the fairness of conducting military trials for civilians in Pakistan. These organizations argue that such trials lack the necessary safeguards to ensure a fair defense. The issue has also been taken up in Pakistan’s Supreme Court through three petitions, including one filed by Imran Khan’s political party.
The events in May witnessed a wave of violence as thousands of Imran Khan’s supporters rampaged through military installations across the country, leaving a trail of destruction in their wake. Bases were vandalized, garrisons were attacked, and even the residence of a high-ranking general and the army’s headquarters were not spared. In the aftermath, more than 5,000 individuals were arrested, although a majority of them were later released.
Explaining the motive behind the army’s decision, Major General Chaudhry highlighted the necessity to identify the factors that led to the breach of security at military installations. The subsequent internal inquiry, conducted under the supervision of major generals, resulted in punitive actions being taken based on their recommendations. Major General Chaudhry further mentioned that 15 additional army officers, including three major generals and seven brigadiers, faced strict departmental action as part of the military’s internal accountability measures. However, specific details regarding the nature of the actions taken were not disclosed.
Additionally, Major General Chaudhry revealed that several relatives of senior army officers, including women, are currently facing trials for their alleged involvement as facilitators of the violent protests. The army has asserted that the arson incidents were pre-planned by leaders of Imran Khan’s party and has filed criminal cases against them. Imran Khan himself has been accused of abetting the violence. However, Khan vehemently denies any wrongdoing and places blame on the military’s generals for orchestrating his removal from power.
Since the violent protests in May, Imran Khan’s party has faced a massive security crackdown, with authorities intensifying measures to maintain order and prevent further unrest. The situation continues to unfold as Pakistan navigates the aftermath of these events, striving for accountability and justice.
