Following the on going political crisis and violent extremists attack on Army and State Institution, the military media wing ISPR said on Wednesday that May 9, 2023 — the day when chaos gripped the nation following Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan’s arrest — would go down in history as a “Dark chapter”.
In a statement, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said after the PTI chief’s arrest from the Islamabad High Court on National Accountability Bureau’s orders, is according to law.
Also Read: Islamabad High Court declare Imran Khan’s Arrest constitutionally Legal
“Soon after Imran [Khan’s arrest], there were organized attacks on army properties and installations and anti-army slogans were raised,” the military’s media wing said.
The ISPR called the PTI leaders “hypocrites” for inciting their workers against the armed forces on the one hand, and other, they were praising the military — in a bid to overshadow their criticism.
“On the one hand, these evil elements vigorously stir up public sentiments to fulfil their narrow and selfish goals and on the other, they do not get tired of highlighting the importance of the army for the country while throwing dust in the eyes of the people. This is an example of hypocrisy.”
The ISPR further stated that a group wearing a political cloak had done the same work which enemies of Pakistan could not do for 75 years. Pakistan Army exhibited patience and tolerance to foil the ulterior motives of the evil elements to push the military troops for an immediate response.
The statement mentioned that when such a situation was created under nefarious, a heinous bid was made to force the military to give an immediate response, which could be used for nefarious political purposes.
“The army’s mature response, however, thwarted this conspiracy. We are well aware that behind it were orders, directives and complete pre-planning by some sinister party leadership,” the statement added.
The facilitators, planners, and political activists involved in the protests have been identified and now, strict action will be taken against them “in line with the law and all these evil elements will now be responsible for the consequences”, the army said.
“No one can be allowed to incite people and take the law into their hands,” the ISPR added.
The ISPR added that any further attack — by the “very group that wants to push Pakistan into a civil war” — on the army, including all law enforcement agencies, military, and state installations and properties will be met with severe retaliation.
Imran Khan Arrest
Former prime minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Imran Khan arrested by NAB and taken into custody by Rangers from the premises of Islamabad High Court (IHC) in the Al-Qadir Trust Case.
The PTI chief was taken into custody in the Al-Qadir Trust case by Rangers from Islamabad High Court where the former premier had gone to seek bail in multiple FIRs registered against him. The former prime minister was taken in black Vigo and shifted to NAB office Rawalpindi by the law enforcement agency.
According to reports, the PTI chairman was going for biometric at the IHC when he was taken into custody. The NAB officials had arrest warrants.
Protests Call across the country
After PTI Chairman Imran Khan arrest Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has announced protests across the country. PTI Vice Chairman Shah Mehmood Qureshi disapproved of his party chief’s arrest. “The entire nation should immediately take to the streets,” he said asking everyone to come out in protest.
Taking to Twitter, PTI Secretary General Asad Umar condemned the arrest and announced that a committee will announce the next plan of action.
“Pakistan’s biggest political leader arrested after attack on the high court. The whole world is shown that there is no law left in the country,” he said.
Umar said that the party’s six-member committee, formed by Khan and headed by Shah Mehmood Qureshi, will announce PTI’s plan of action.
PTI leader Murad Saeed, in an audio message via PTI’s official Twitter account, claimed that Khan has been tortured and arrested. He asked supporters, particularly youth, to step out to protest against the PTI chief’s arrest.
“It’s time free Pakistan from these oppressors and false gods. It’s time for Haqeeqi Azadi. Come out to the places you’ve been asked to arrive at,” he said.
Social Media and Internet Ban
Internet Services and Social media platforms including Facebook, YouTube and Twitter have been blocked across Pakistan.
Social media platforms including Facebook, YouTube and Twitter were blocked in Pakistan. The development came after the arrest of PTI chief Imran Khan on Tuesday by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB).
Sources within the government confirmed that social media services were temporarily blocked to avoid the propaganda.
Earlier, Internet service was also suspended in different cities of Pakistan including Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore and others.
Protests erupted across the country after Imran Khan’s arrest in the Al-Qadir Trust corruption case. PTI workers held protests in cities across the country, including Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore, Karachi, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, Multan, Peshawar, and Mardan.
PTI Workers threw stones at and set fire to police vehicles, tore down street lights and damaged a bus. There were reports that police fired teargas shells at the protesters. Police also fired teargas shells at protesters on Rawalpindi’s Murree Road.
Pak Army deployed
Authorities have declared Red alert in Islamabad district after imposing section 144. “Paramilitary rangers will be imposed at key government buildings while armed force will be deployed at various intersections and thoroughfares of the city,” sources said.
Due to ongoing political tensions, Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Govt called in Army troops to control the situation.
According to a letter, a requisition was forwarded by the Punjab home minister for the deployment of Pakistan Army troops under Article 245.
The Pakistan Army will assist the district administration in maintaining law and order.
Meanwhile, the army has also been summoned for support in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The Ministry of Interior has approved the Punjab government’s request for assistance by sanctioning ten companies of troops, saying: “The army would be working alongside district administration to restore law, order and peace”.
The order issued by the Federal Ministry of Interior stated: “Pursuant to the request made by the Home Department Government of Punjab, vide their letter No.SO(IS-II)3-15/2023 (Security) (1) Dated 9 May 2023, the federal government in excise of powers conferred under article 245 of the constitution and Section 4 (3) (ii) of the Anti-Terrorism Act 1997, (to discharge such functions as specified in the said act), is pleased to authorise the deployment of Pakistan Army troops/assets for maintaining law and order situations across the Punjab province in aid of civil power.”
Remember that, law and order in Pakistan especially in Punjab and KP is worsening after the arrest of former prime minister Imran Khan.
