• The DG ISPR says May 9 riots aimed to sow discord between public, Forces
• Suggests only path forward is sincere apology
• Says Afghan territory used for attack on Chinese nationals
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RAWALPINDI: Major General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, the spokesperson for Pakistan’s Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), on Tuesday stated that those responsible for the May 9 riots must face punishment according to the country’s constitution and laws to maintain trust in the nation’s justice system.

He said this during a press conference, here on Tuesday.

The May 9 riots aimed to sow discord between the public and the Pakistan Armed Forces, with some attempting to manipulate the situation through what was described as a False Flag Operation. Regarding the establishment of a judicial commission, the DG ISPR emphasized that such commissions are typically formed when there are doubts surrounding an incident. He stated unequivocally that there is complete clarity regarding the May 9 riots.

Addressing the possibility of engaging in dialogue with certain factions, Maj Gen Chaudhry asserted that there will be no discussions with any political entity or group that undermines its own military and spreads propaganda against it.

He emphasized that there can be no negotiation with anarchist groups and suggested that their only path forward is sincere apology, abandonment of divisive politics, and embracing constructive engagement.

Furthermore, he clarified that dialogue is reserved for political parties, not institutional entities like the military.

Responding to queries about electoral support, the DG ISPR highlighted that the concerned party only secured 31 percent of the votes in the February 8 elections. He dismissed any notion that voters endorsing the party in general elections also supported the violent actions of May 9.

The Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (DG ISPR) said that the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) is utilizing Afghan territory to foment unrest within Pakistan.

He emphasized the existence of undeniable proof indicating the TTP’s operations from Afghan soil, linking recent terrorist activities to this source.

According to investigations, Afghan territory was used to orchestrate the attack on Chinese nationals in Dasu, and the Gwadar Port Complex also fell victim to assault, he said, adding that in response, Pakistan targeted terrorists situated in Afghanistan, resulting in the elimination of eight individuals, as the interim Taliban government failed to take action against them.

Highlighting the security measures undertaken, the DG ISPR mentioned that security forces executed 13,234 operations against terrorists. Tragically, two officers and 60 soldiers sacrificed their lives in the fight against terrorism.

Affirming the stance of the army chief, he reiterated that Pakistan does not harbor terrorists and assured that measures are underway to bring perpetrators to justice.

Major General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry underscored Pakistan’s longstanding support for Afghan refugees and its efforts in facilitating their safe repatriation.

He clarified that Pakistan’s decision to deport illegal Afghan refugees was made in the best interest of the nation.