No softening of policy on May 9 attackers, planners

ISLAMABAD: Authorities are considering amendments to the Army Act for certain improvements in the present legal system to effectively deal with certain aspects arising out of the May 9 like situation, a defence source informed The News.

When asked regarding the changes required, the source said, “These are certain improvements being proposed in the Army Act to align it with the current environment.”

To a question if there is any change or softening in the policy of military establishment towards the May 9 attackers and planners, the source said that May 9 cannot be forgotten or forgiven. The May 9 attackers and planners will not be spared, the source said, adding that deliberations of the last corps commanders conference were the reiteration of the same resolve.

The top military commanders, who met early this week, had committed that planners, instigators, abettors and perpetrators/desecrators of Shuhada Monuments and attackers of military installations on 9 May would certainly be brought to justice under the relevant provisions of the law and Constitution.

“In this regard, malicious efforts to create distortions, confusion and disinformation are absolutely futile and only part of an organised campaign being launched for narrow political interests, to blur the abhorrent activities that took place,” read the ISPR press release issued following the corps commanders conference.

It added, “The forum noted with concern organised misinformation and fake news being spread by certain nefarious elements to sow despondency and divisions within the society and urged the proud people of Pakistan to remain positive and united and wholeheartedly participate in the progress and development of the country.”

In his speech on the floor of the House after his election as Prime Minister on March 3, Shehbaz Sharif had offered the opposition a “charter of reconciliation” but underlined that the May 9 attackers will face the music.

The premier lamented that unthinkable incidents happened in the country’s history on May 9 and said the law would take its course and those responsible for the incident would have to face action.

When a former federal minister in the caretaker government was asked that following the PTI’s surprise mandate in the Feb 8 elections if there are any chances of softening in the state’s policy towards the May 9 attackers, he said on condition of not being named, “No change expected. The state can’t afford to forget May 9 or forgive its planners and attackers.”