COAS vows no mercy for May 9 rioters and vandals

Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir has said that the legal process of trial against planners, instigators, abettors and perpetrators involved in the May 9 tragedy has commenced under Pakistan Army Act and Official Secret Act as per existing and established legal procedures derived from the Constitution of Pakistan.

"The army draws its strength from people and any effort to create a wedge between the army and the people of Pakistan is an act against the state which is neither tolerable nor condonable under any circumstances,” the army chief said while addressing the garrison officers and soldiers at Corps Headquarters during his visit to Lahore on Saturday.

According to a statement issued by the military’s media wing, the COAS laid floral wreath at the Martyrs' Monument and paid rich tributes to the Shuhada who sacrificed their lives for the motherland.

The army chief was given a briefing on the events of black day of May 9 as he visited Jinnah House and an army installation which were blatantly attacked and vandalised by politically motivated rioters.

While interacting with the troops, Gen Asim said, "Hostile and inimical forces and their abettors have been trying hard to create confusion through fake news and propaganda but all such designs of the enemy will be defeated with the support of the nation, InshAllah.”

Later, the COAS also visited Services Hospital, Lahore and inquired after the well-being of DIG Ali Nasir Rizvi, who was injured by political miscreants during the May 9 incident.

The COAS also visited Qurban Lines and met with police officials and paid homage to the police Shuhada, appreciated the professionalism and restraint exercised by them during the riots/vandalism and assured the army’s full support to the law enforcement agencies for their capacity enhancement, intelligence sharing and training.

Earlier on arrival, the COAS was received by Lahore corps commander.