ISLAMABAD: Senior journalist Najam Sethi has claimed that Chief of ArmyStaff General Asim Munir was out of the country when violent protestserupted on 9 May 2023, and during his absence an offer was reportedly madeto the then Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee to take control of thesituation.
Sethi said reliable sources informed him that certain quarters contactedthe CJCSC and told him that since the army chief was abroad, he shouldassume command as he was present in Pakistan.The journalist added that theCJCSC was assured of complete backing and support if he decided tointervene and restore order amid the nationwide attacks on militaryinstallations following the arrest of PTI founder Imran Khan.
Sethi emphasised that the offer was made at a time when the army leadershipappeared divided over how to handle the rapidly deteriorating law and ordersituation triggered by PTI supporters.He clarified that the CJCSCcategorically rejected the proposal and remained loyal to theconstitutional chain of command, refusing to entertain any move that couldlead to extra-constitutional intervention.
The revelation has reignited debate over the events of 9 May, which themilitary has repeatedly described as a planned insurrection against thestate and its institutions. Political analysts say the claim, if verified,could raise fresh questions about internal civil-military dynamics duringone of the most turbulent days in recent Pakistani history.
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Neither the ISPR nor the office of the CJCSC has issued any officialresponse to Sethi’s disclosures at the time of filing this report.
