SIALKOT — Defence Minister Khawaja Asif stated on Sunday that no new military tribunals will be formed to prosecute individuals engaged in the May 9 vandalism of military sites.
Over 3,000 Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) activists and supporters have been detained for vandalising military sites in several cities amid demonstrations that erupted after the arrest of their party’s head, Imran Khan, in the Al-Qadir Trust case.
In an interview with the media, Mr Asif said that law and courts already exist, and that charges against violent elements would be prosecuted in these courts.
The minister said that proceedings will be pursued against individuals identified via film of assaults on military sites, claiming that the government was not violating anyone’s fundamental rights.
He described the assaults on military sites as an attack on the country’s integrity and survival. He said that the airfield assaults were carried out by an adversary, not a patriot, and that he made no distinction between the attacks on GHQ, the Lahore Corps Commander’s residence, Mianwali airbase, and the attack on the Sialkot monument by arch-rival India.
He said that individuals who assaulted military sites will be considered as enemies of Pakistan under the law. “I don’t doubt anyone’s patriotism, but the May 9 attacks have raised questions about their intentions,” Mr Asif added.
He said that the PTI leadership was attacking institutions, and that Imran Khan was attempting to include other governments in it as well.
The defence minister said that Pakistanis valued their armed services and that the sacrifices made by the Pakistan Army were a bright part of Pakistan’s history.
Earlier, Khawaja Asif took part in a demonstration in his hometown of Sialkot to show support for the military services.