Imran’s supporters burnt Jinnah House, now the army’s big action came to the fore, still the real mastermind survived

The Pakistani military has begun a complete purge of the institution in its effort to weed out those who were apparently involved in or who did not face the mobs that targeted key military facilities on 9 May. It is clear that the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Gen… Asim Munir is leading the cleanliness drive.

During a press conference, Director General Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) Major General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry announced that several people, including a lieutenant general, have been dismissed from service. Others facing disciplinary action include 15 officers, including three major generals and seven brigadiers. The announcement confirms that the army chief is leaving no stone unturned to unify the army and eliminate the possibilities of a civil war. It is also a sign that the drive to dismantle former prime minister Imran Khan’s extensive network within the military, civil society and overseas Pakistanis continues unabated. Moreover, this shows that the Army is walking its talk and is in no mood to cut any deals with the planners and masterminds of the May 9 events.

Not surprisingly, the DG ISPR’s statement shows that even the families of those who allegedly played a role in the riots are not being spared. As a result, the granddaughter of a retired four-star general and the son-in-law of a retired general have been arrested in connection with the May 9 investigation. Besides, the wife of a retired three-star general and the wife and son-in-law of a retired two-star general are also under the scanner. As India Narrative had earlier reported, over 124 serving army officers, including a Corps Commander, two Major Generals and others, are facing inquiries and trials. Some other bigwigs who were actively involved in the rebellion include former Chief of General Staff, Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Azhar Abbas. In addition, two former chiefs of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), Lt Gen (Retd) Shuja Pasha, Lt Gen (Retd) Zahirul Islam are being listed as key people driving the insurgency. Besides, other key figures behind the plot include Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Khalid Maqbool, Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Amjad Shoaib, Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Ali Quli Khan and Major General (Retd.) Ijaz Awan.

Analysts say that despite spring cleaning within the army, the mastermind behind the entire conspiracy was none other than former ISI chief Lt Gen (retd) Faiz Hameed. Sources say that the discontent in the army is expected to continue till General Hameed is court martialed and punished. Obviously the May mutiny would have been successful had General Munir been in Qatar had General Hameed been there.