In a desperate attempt to reestablish its authority, the Pakistan army has dismissed three officers, including a Lt General, and taken disciplinary measures against three Major Generals and seven Brigadiers for their failure to safeguard critical military installations during the outbreak of violence on May 9 following the arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan. More than 100 individuals are currently facing trial in military courts for their involvement in the attacks on over 20 defense installations and government buildings, such as the Lahore Corps Commander House, Mianwali airbase, Faisalabad's ISI building, and the army headquarters in Rawalpindi.
The violence, reportedly carried out by supporters of Imran's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, exposed a lack of unity within the military, which has traditionally held significant influence over the country's politics. The fact that pro-Imran protesters were able to breach heavily guarded premises strongly suggests the involvement of insiders. Maj Gen Ahmed Sharif, the Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations, emphasized that the military operates under a system of "strict self-accountability" and takes action regardless of one's rank or position. This veiled warning implies that defense officers or their family members who sympathize with Imran will not be exempt from consequences.
As the General Election approaches later this year, both the military and the Shehbaz Sharif government are making concerted efforts to neutralize Imran and his loyalists. Exploiting his victim status to the fullest, the popular former Prime Minister has alleged that he and other PTI leaders are being targeted due to their relentless criticism of the army. The military has adopted a two-pronged strategy: cracking down on the PTI's top leadership and conducting an internal purge to regain control. However, this approach could either succeed in its objective or backfire, potentially tipping the electoral scales in Imran's favor. In either scenario, economically strained Pakistan should prepare for an extended period of political unrest.
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