WORLD NEWS | Pakistan army says no problem imposing martial law after political turmoil

ISLAMABAD, May 13 (PTI) — The Pakistan Army has ruled out imposing martial law in the country amid political unrest and deteriorating law and order situation following the arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, Army chief Asim General Munir and the entire military leadership believed in democracy.

The remarks by Major General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, director-general of the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), came as nearly four days of political turmoil erupted over the arrest of Pakistan Justice Instigation (PTI) chief Khan, Army facilities, including its headquarters in Rawalpindi, were also targeted.

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“There is no doubt about the imposition of martial law in the country,” he told Geographic News, adding that Army chief Gen. Asim Munir and the entire military leadership believe in democracy.

The army remains Pakistan’s most powerful institution, directly ruling half of Pakistan’s nearly 75-year history through three coups.

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Chowdhury emphasized that the unity of the military is unswerving and will persist as a pillar of national stability and security.

He also dismissed rumors on social media that senior Army officers or anyone disobedient to military discipline would resign.

“No one in the military has resigned, and no one has disobeyed any order,” an army spokesman said on Friday.

Military installations were attacked amid protests after Khan’s arrest, and he also dismissed impressions of divisions within the army. “Despite internal and external propaganda, the military is united and will remain,” he said.

Major General Chowdhury further stated that despite the presence of internal outlaws and external enemies, the army remains united.

“The dream of dividing the Pakistani army will remain a dream and the army is united under the leadership of Army Chief General Asim Munir and will remain united.”

He called on the public and the media to rely on verified information from official sources rather than trusting unfounded speculation.

The army came under scan for no response when rioters ransacked the Lahore residence of the regiment commander following Khan’s arrest on May 9.

At least 10 people were killed in violence that erupted after Khan’s dramatic arrest by paramilitary rangers at the Islamabad High Court on Tuesday.

The unrest in the country has now stalled as the Islamabad High Court (IHC) has granted Khan full relief and barred authorities from arresting the head of PTI until Monday morning.

Khan has been highly critical of the establishment’s role in overthrowing his government in April 2022, especially former army chief (retired) Kamal Javed Bajwa.

Before retiring, General Bajwa said the Pakistani army would remain apolitical.

(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from a Syndicated News feed, the content body may not have been modified or edited by LatestLY staff)