The Corps Commanders' Conference is the highest forum of the Pakistan Army in which the national defense, the strategic situation of the region, the requirements of internal stability and the events taking place at the global level are reviewed with reference to the national interest etc.  The 263rd Corps Commanders' Conference held at GHQ under the chairmanship of Army Chief General Asim Munir on Tuesday, among other things, pointed out some of the things spread through social media regarding the recent election, the purpose of which may be to spread misgivings about the armed forces.  The conference correctly clarified that the armed forces had nothing to do with the election process except to provide security to the people.  Despite the difficulties, the armed forces provided a safe environment during the election in the light of the instructions of the Election Commission.  Political elements defaming the forces with unsubstantiated allegations of interference in social media and some talk shows is highly condemnable.  The fact is that the elections were held under the supervision of the Election Commission and all the institutions were working in the light of the instructions of the Commission. The army was responsible for providing a security environment during the election process. 

As far as the complaints of election rigging are concerned, there are legal channels for their redressal and proceedings, while the proposal of a judicial commission has also come up in recent days.  The main thing is that the elections should prove to be a means of national stability. In case of disagreements and grievances, where there are legal avenues, it is possible to resolve any kind of crisis through political consultation. The courts are also working. The current situation requires that the situation not be allowed to become a source of chaos and division and that a way be found together through which grievances can be redressed and future elections be considered as a means of increasing unity.

After the recent elections, there has been a democratic transfer of power in the center and the provinces, on which the forum expressed its satisfaction. The post-election environment will bring political and economic stability to Pakistan, resulting in peace and prosperity.  This is the reality and the forum has also expressed its firm belief that democratic stability is the way forward for the country.  A clear message has been given to the nation by the military leadership that the armed forces are fully aware of the challenges and threats.  This is an indication that the political leadership does not feel alone in the face of difficult situations. Armed forces have been with the political leadership in facing every challenge in the past. And in the future, it will continue to provide full support to the government in dealing with security threats and promoting socio-economic development.  Full assistance will be provided to prevent illegal activities including smuggling, hoarding, power theft, and dignified and safe repatriation of all illegal immigrants.

As per the commitment of the Prime Minister of Pakistan, the Forum reiterated that the May 9 planners, instigators, desecration of martyrs' memorials and those who attacked military installations will definitely be brought to justice under the relevant provisions of the law and constitution.  The tragedy of May 9 is a dark chapter in the history of Pakistan. There are no two opinions on the issue that those responsible for this tragedy should be brought to justice with evidence.  In this regard, all political parties and central and provincial governments should play a role and make it clear to the world that there is supremacy of the constitution and law in Pakistan. Meanwhile, security experts say that there does not seem to be any chance of any concession regarding those responsible for May 9.  In the speech that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif gave in the National Assembly as soon as he was elected, although he spoke of reconciliation, he reiterated the development of Pakistan together with the four provinces, but with reference to May 9, he said that the elements involved in these incidents will be penalized.

He said that those who were not involved in these incidents will not be punished, but those who desecrate the memorials of martyrs will be punished.  On Wednesday, a Corps Commanders Conference was held under the chairmanship of the Army Chief, in which, among other things, the events of May 9 were discussed and the pledge was reiterated that the those who desecrate the memorials of  martyrs and attack military installations will certainly be brought to justice under the relevant provisions of the law and constitution. In this conference of the top commanders of the army, it was also said that the malicious efforts to spread distorted and false information about May 9 are completely futile and are only part of an organized campaign to achieve nefarious political interests.  According to a press release issued by ISPR, the forum expressed its concern over systematic false and fake news spread by certain nefarious elements to create disillusionment and division in the society and urged the public to be positive and stay united and participate wholeheartedly in the construction and development of the country.

From what was said first by the Prime Minister and then by the Corps Commanders regarding May 9, it became clear that neither the new government nor the army is ready to make any kind of concession and relaxation regarding May 9.  This means that problems are not going to ease for Tehreek-e-Insaf founder chairman Imran Khan and many other leaders of Tehreek-e-Insaf who are facing May 9 cases.  After the mandate given to Tehreek-e-Insaf in the elections, several PTI leaders who were hiding earlier due to fear of police and law enforcement agencies, most of them, especially those who won the elections, came forward. No one was arrested, but Ali Amin Gandapur, who faced the May 9 cases in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, also became the Chief Minister.  After his election, Amin Gandapur in his speech gave a warning to the police and the administration that within seven days the cases of all the people facing the May 9 cases should be closed or else be ready to face the consequences. This gave the impression that there was some relaxation on the issue of May 9. However, this impression was rejected by the Prime Minister and the army.  On the other hand, Imran Khan and other PTI leaders, including the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, are demanding that the Supreme Court should form a commission on the May 9 incidents.  Pakistan People's Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto also supported the demand of forming a commission and raised the question, will Tehreek-e-Insaf accept the decision of the commission?  Now see what happens next, but the demand of justice is that those who were really involved in the events of May 9 should be prosecuted, but if someone innocent is in jail in these cases or an FIR has been registered against him. Such cases against him should be dropped. As far as the demand for forming a commission is concerned, one thinks a commission must be formed on the events of May 9, but before PTI, a commitment should be made that whatever decision the commission takes, it will be acceptable to Imran Khan and PTI.

Published in The Daily National Courier, March, 08 2024

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