Background
Amid reports of disunity among the Pakistan Army’s top officials, the army has denied allegations of imposing martial law in the country. The unrest comes after the arrest of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan, which led to deadly protests and a tussle with the military.
Army refutes rumours
Inter-Services Public Relations Director General Maj-Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry rejected the rumours and stated that General Asim Munir and the army’s leadership fully support democracy and will continue to do so. Chaudhry emphasized that the imposition of martial law is out of the question.
Officers sacked for refusing to open fire
According to Geo News, several Brigadier, Colonel, and Major level officers of the Pakistan Army were sacked because they refused to open fire at PTI protestors and Imran Khan supporters.
Imran Khan’s accusations
Imran Khan launched a direct attack on Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir and blamed them for creating chaos in the country. However, he clarified that he is not against the institution but against the army chief. Khan suggested that the position of army chief was all-powerful and that one man in the country decides everything.
Court orders Imran Khan’s release
Yesterday, a Pakistani court ordered the release of former Prime Minister Imran Khan on bail for two weeks. The Supreme Court had ruled his arrest „invalid and unlawful“ a day earlier. Khan welcomed the court’s decision and stated that the judiciary was Pakistan’s only protection against the „law of the jungle“.
Conclusion
The arrest of Imran Khan has fuelled instability in Pakistan at a time of economic crisis, with record inflation and delayed IMF funding. The situation remains tense as the country awaits further developments.
