Online Desk  :   Chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman on Tuesday called for unity and discipline within the armed forces. “The army is a disciplined force. Let it remain disciplined. Let’s not create divisions, let’s stay united,” he said at a special programme titled “In Memory of the Martyred Officers of the Pilkhana Massacre” held on Tuesday afternoon to mark National Martyred Army Day. Reflecting on the tragic events of February 25, 2009, he emphasised the need to honour the judicial process and avoid creating rifts.Speaking at the event, General Waker-Uz-Zaman described the day as “painful,” recalling the loss of 57 officers and several family members in the brutal massacre at Pilkhana.

“I am an eyewitness to this barbarity,” he said. “One thing we must remember: no army member committed this act. It was entirely orchestrated by the then-BDR members. Full stop — no ‘ifs and buts’.” “If you start raising ‘ifs and buts,’ it will jeopardize the judicial process that’s been underway for years—disrupting the cases of those jailed for 16-17 years and those already sentenced. We must keep this in mind. Do not spoil this judicial process,” said the army chief. He cautioned against efforts to shift blame or derail justice. “Those punished deserve it. A commission will determine if political leaders or external forces were involved and inform you accordingly,” he added.

Addressing differing opinions within the ranks, he warned, “Diverting this matter elsewhere won’t benefit us. These brave army members lost their lives to BDR firing—let’s not muddy that truth.” Offering advice, the Army Chief urged, “Don’t create differences among ourselves. Stay united. If there’s a problem, we’ll resolve it through discussion. Running around stirring trouble only leads to your own loss—I assure you of that.” General Waker-Uz-Zaman also addressed grievances from some members claiming unjust punishment since 2009. “I’ve formed a board, including a Lieutenant General, to review this. In the first phase, they’ve made recommendations for 51 members. I’ve accepted most and added more,” he said, signalling a balanced approach.

He noted that the Navy and Air Force are similarly reviewing their ranks, stressing, “If someone’s guilty, there’ll be no exemption—not a single one. This is a disciplined force, and it must stay that way.” The event was attended by senior military officials, with the Army Chief’s remarks underscoring a commitment to justice, discipline, and solidarity on a sombre day of remembrance.