Lt-Gen Chaudhry Reaffirms Army's Stance on May 9 Riots

In a recent press conference held in Rawalpindi, Lieutenant-General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, the Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), emphasized that there has been no change in the Pakistan Army's position regarding the riots that occurred on May 9, 2023. This statement comes amidst ongoing discussions in the media about potential negotiations between the army and certain political parties concerning the incidents of that day.

During the press conference, Lt-Gen Chaudhry firmly stated, "Neither has there been any change in this [position] nor there will be." He expressed concerns over the rise of digital terrorism in Pakistan, highlighting that the current laws are inadequate to combat this growing threat. He warned that if the law fails to address these issues, the Pakistan Army would take necessary actions against those defaming the Armed Forces.

Furthermore, Lt-Gen Chaudhry addressed the situation in Gwadar, asserting that the Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) does not represent the true voice of the Baloch people. He labeled the BYC as a "proxy of terrorist organization in Balochistan" and questioned the financial backing of the committee, suggesting a connection to foreign elements.

In his remarks, he also condemned the illegal mafia operating within the country, which he described as an enemy of Pakistan involved in extensive smuggling activities. He pointed out that anti-Pakistan elements are actively working against the nation, citing that foreign media has published 127 articles against Pakistan this year alone.

On the occasion of Youm-e-Istehsal, Lt-Gen Chaudhry reiterated the Armed Forces' support for the people of Kashmir in their struggle for self-determination. He condemned the illegal actions taken by India in Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, which he described as violations of international laws and a threat to regional peace. He emphasized that resolving the Kashmir dispute in accordance with UN resolutions is crucial for lasting peace in the region.

In terms of security operations, Lt-Gen Chaudhry provided an overview of the Armed Forces' efforts, stating that approximately 23,622 intelligence-based operations have been conducted this year, with 2,025 of those occurring in the last 15 days. He reported that 24 terrorists were eliminated during these operations, and the security forces conduct over 100 operations daily to ensure the safety of the nation.

The Pakistan Army remains steadfast in its commitment to combat terrorism and uphold the rights of the people of Kashmir. The Armed Forces are not only focused on security but are also actively involved in socio-economic development across various regions of Pakistan. As the nation faces challenges from both internal and external threats, the resolve of the Armed Forces and the support of the people are essential for maintaining peace and stability.