It is, perhaps, for the first time in the history of the country that all those involved in a particular incident are being treated equally and no one is being spared because of his/her connections, influence and class. At his widely quoted news conference, spokesperson of the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Maj. General Ahmad Sharif Chaudhry not only conveyed a categorical message that there would be no escape for those involved in the gory incidents of 9 May but also satisfactorily responded to questions frequently being asked by different quarters on issues related to the happenings of that day.
From initial reaction, developments and the series of press conferences that dissidents of the PTI held, an impression gained currency that the axe of the trails/punishments could fall only on the common man, whose sentiments were exploited through different tactics and that influential people including those with military background might not be touched. A point was frequently raised that why those associated with the military and linked to the ‘black day’ deeds were not being probed and why focus remains on the civilians. The news conference of the Director-General ISPR cleared all such doubts and suspicions and transmitted a strong signal that all those involved in attacks on military installations and facilities, in any way, are being treated equally. His revelation that Pakistan Army dismissed its three senior officers, including a Lieutenant General, for their failure to prevent rioters on 9 May from ransacking military installations has highlighted the fact that the Army leadership means business and is not in a mood to spare anyone. There were complaints that cases have been registered against civilians only and no action against those who provided inside assistance or information to the trouble-makers now stand addressed. Pakistan defence forces have their own internal system of accountability and the very fact that in-service high ranking officers and their families have also been proceeded against confirms the across-the-board nature of the accountability for all those who indulged in violence or provided any sort of support to rioters. Pakistan Army has set a good example by taking stern disciplinary action against those officials who failed to maintain the security and sanctity of the cantonments, military installations, GHQ and Jinnah House. It is also important to note that the action has not been taken in haste as detailed inquiries were conducted within the Army to determine the role of these officers and action has been taken in the light of the findings of these comprehensive inquiries. According to the spokesperson, Pakistan Army and the military leadership were aware of the events of 9 May and there was a process of self-accountability within the army which was carried out without any discrimination and “the higher the position, the greater the responsibility”. It was also made clear from the very beginning that all the planners and facilitators connected with the events of 9 May will be punished according to the Constitution of Pakistan and the law, regardless of their affiliation with any organization, political party or social status and now that internal action has been undertaken, there is no question that others would be allowed to escape on any consideration. There is also a clear message that those who obstruct the process of justice to its logical conclusion will be dealt with sternly with the full support of the people of Pakistan. Some circles are also spreading self-serving propaganda on the issue of trials of civilians in the military courts and in this backdrop, the spokesperson clarified that military trails of civilians are already covered by the law and that the award of sentence will not be final as the accused will have the opportunity to file appeals in higher judiciary. The spokesman said that the army act has remained a part of the legal framework for several decades and added that hundreds of cases were decided under this law. He claimed that the International Court of Justice (ICJ) had also validated the due process of decisions of military courts after due deliberation. Military courts are somewhat synonymous to speedy trial courts or anti-terrorism courts, which become a necessity to award prompt sentences to perpetrators of crimes in view of the proverbial delays in the dispensation of justice by the traditional system.
