‘The city was burning, they were saying that respect has increased’: Pakistan Army Chief’s strange claim, said on Islamabad operation – Our stature in the world has increased!

The whole world saw what happened in the last few days in Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan. Supporters of Imran Khan’s party (PTI) were on the streets, tear gas shells were being fired and the city was sealed with containers. But, amidst this huge uproar, Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir has given such a statement, hearing which you might also start scratching your head.

After the recent protest crackdown, General Munir has claimed that the actions of the army and security forces have “increased the global status of Islamabad and Pakistan.” Let us know why he said this and what is the ground reality.

Asim Munir’s ‘tour’ and kudos to the soldiers

When protesters were dispersed from Islamabad’s D-Chowk, General Asim Munir visited the Rangers and Troops deployed there. There he patted the soldiers on the back and praised their ‘professionalism’.

General’s claim:
He told the soldiers that the way you stopped the ‘rioters’ (Fitna/Anarchy) and restored law and order, you saved the honor of the country. According to General Munir, this ‘successful operation’ showed the world that Pakistan is a responsible country and the writ of the state is supreme here. He said that this action has increased the prestige of Islamabad across the world.

Fighting on the streets, but claiming ‘respect’

The surprising thing is that when General Saheb was talking about increasing ‘global status’, the scenes in Islamabad were telling a different story:

• The capital was converted into a fort.
• Internet services were closed and life came to a standstill.
• PTI alleges that many of its supporters have been killed in this operation, while the government is claiming it as its victory.

What did ‘operation’ really mean?

What the army is calling ‘restoration of law’, the opposition is calling ‘atrocities’. The army believed that it was necessary to remove the protesters (whom it called Fitna or miscreants) because they threatened Pakistan’s economy and security. The Army’s argument is that if the capital had been captured by the mob, Pakistan would have been disgraced in the world – hence, prestige was ‘saved’ and ‘enhanced’ by removing them.