Army's top brass criticises 'vested interests' for blaming others after election 'failures'

The Pakistan Army’s top brass Tuesday condemned allegations that the armed forces interfered with the electoral process, stating that "some vested small segments of society" and social media are trying to create "political instability and uncertainty by attempting to scapegoat others for their own failings."

In a statement, the military's media wing stated that the army expressed its concerns during the 263rd Corps Commanders’ Conference (CCC), which was chaired by General Asim Munir, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), and held at GHQ.

According to the ISPR statement, the Armed Forces of Pakistan, at great risk to their primary responsibility, provided a security environment for the conduct of GE-24 as per the mandate.

However, the forum expressed dismay that some vested small segments of polity and media especially social media have been maligning the Armed Forces of Pakistan with unsubstantiated allegations of highly deplorable interference.

"It’s unfortunate that rather than focusing on real issues such as good governance, economic recovery, political stability, and public well-being, the entire focus of such vested elements is on creating political instability and uncertainty by attempting to scapegoat others for their own failings," the statement added.

In its statement, the forum emphasized following due legal processes with evidence and proof rather than resorting to unconstitutional and uncalled-for emotional outbursts and baseless political rhetoric.

According to the statement released by ISPR, the forum expressed satisfaction with the "smooth democratic transition of power in the Centre and Provinces."

The forum believed that the political and economic stability that follows the elections would bring about peace and prosperity for Pakistani citizens.

"Forum expressed that it strongly believed that democratic consolidation is the way forward for the country," according to the statement. It added that "military leadership is cognizant of the full spectrum of the challenges and threats and it remains committed to shoulder its constitutionally mandated responsibilities with the support of the resilient people of Pakistan."

The forum reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the government in its efforts to counter security threats, promote socioeconomic development in the nation, and assist in ending all unlawful activities, such as hoarding, smuggling, and electricity theft, as well as the respectable and safe repatriation of all illegal foreign nationals.

Aligned with the determination of Pakistan's honorable prime minister, the forum pledged to ensure that those responsible for the design, instigation, encouragement, and desecration of Shuhada monuments, as well as those who attacked military installations on May 9, would face legal consequences in accordance with applicable laws and the Constitution.

"In this regard, malicious efforts to create distortions, confusion, and disinformation are absolutely futile and only part of an organized campaign being launched for narrow political interests, to blur the abhorrent activities that took place," said the statement.

The forum expressed concern over the dissemination of "organized misinformation and fake news by certain nefarious elements to sow despondency and divisions within the society" and urged Pakistan's proud citizens to stay upbeat, stand together, and fully engage in the advancement and development of their nation.

The attendees reaffirmed that the Pakistan Army will keep protecting and assisting the country in every manner as we work to achieve long-term security, prosperity, and stability.

Field commanders were urged by COAS to uphold the highest levels of professionalism, operational readiness, and drive when conducting operations and to strive for excellence when training formations.

The conference rightly recognized the tremendous sacrifices made by Shuhadas, including those of law enforcement agencies, military personnel, and civilians who have given their lives to protect the nation's peace and stability.

"Forum resolved that terrorists, their facilitators and abettors, working on behest of hostile forces to destabilise Pakistan, will be dealt with the full might of the state."

Commanders were instructed by COAS to keep building on the successes of the fight against terrorism and militancy.

The announcement coincides with claims of election manipulation made by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and other political parties over the recently concluded general elections.

Earlier, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) Chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman said that the people of Pakistan do not recognize the incumbent parliament as it is a product of “rigging”.

Addressing a presser in Karachi, the JUI-F chief said that the newly-elected parliamentarians are not representatives of the people but a product of rigging. He said that the General Elections 2024 is the most “rigged” polls in the country’s history, vowing to carry out a countrywide movement against the same.

Maulana Fazlur Rehman said that the general elections in 2018 were considered the most “manipulated” polls in the country, adding that the record was broken in the 8th February elections.