The Pentagon states that military and political leaders from both nations remain engaged in discussions on matters of mutual interest.
U.S. Response to Arrest of Military Officers in Pakistan: An Internal Matter, Says Pentagon
The United States has responded to recent developments in Pakistan regarding the arrest of military officers, emphasizing that it views the situation as an internal matter for Pakistan to handle. The Pentagon’s spokesperson, Sabrina Singh, addressed the issue during a weekly press briefing, underscoring that while the U.S. is aware of the reports, it remains committed to maintaining a strong partnership with Pakistan. The Pentagon reassured that discussions between the two nations’ military and political leaderships continue on matters of mutual interest.
Singh reiterated, “This is really a Pakistani internal matter for them to address,” highlighting the U.S. stance on non-interference in Pakistan’s domestic affairs. At the same time, she emphasized the long-standing and robust partnership between the United States and Pakistan, adding that both countries remain engaged in discussions that cover a range of topics related to mutual interests.
The spokesperson further underscored the importance of the U.S.-Pakistan relationship, particularly in areas related to regional security and shared goals. “The U.S. values its partnership with Pakistan,” Singh stated, making it clear that ongoing engagements with both military and civilian leaders in Pakistan will continue to focus on mutual interests and cooperation.
The Pentagon’s comments come amid reports of former Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) chief Lt. Gen. (Retd) Faiz Hameed being placed under military custody, as disciplinary action has been initiated against him. The Pakistan Army has commenced a Field General Court Martial (FGCM) to address the charges brought against the retired officer. The arrest marks a significant event in Pakistan’s military and political landscape, prompting international attention.
According to Pakistan’s Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the disciplinary action against Lt. Gen. Hameed follows a detailed court of inquiry conducted by the Pakistan Army. The inquiry was initiated in compliance with a Supreme Court order related to the Top City Case, which involved allegations against Hameed. The ISPR stated that the inquiry revealed multiple instances of violations of the Pakistan Army Act post-retirement. As a result, the military initiated court-martial proceedings and took Lt. Gen. Hameed into military custody.
The court-martial proceedings are not limited to Lt. Gen. Hameed. In a related move, three other retired army officers were also taken into custody, as the Pakistani Army continues to investigate actions that are deemed contrary to military discipline. The arrests reflect the broader efforts within Pakistan’s military to address breaches of discipline and uphold the integrity of the armed forces.
Despite these internal developments, the U.S. maintains that its partnership with Pakistan remains intact and is built on a foundation of shared goals, particularly in areas related to regional security. Pentagon spokesperson Singh emphasized that the U.S. will continue to assist Pakistan in achieving common objectives, stressing the importance of cooperation between the two nations.
“The United States remains committed to working alongside Pakistan in areas that advance regional security and promote our shared interests,” Singh said during the briefing. She also reiterated that U.S. assistance and cooperation with Pakistan are key priorities, even as the country navigates its internal challenges.
The arrest of high-ranking military officials, including the former ISI chief, has drawn significant attention both domestically and internationally. The developments come at a time of political and economic uncertainty in Pakistan, where the military plays a central role in the nation’s governance and security. The Pakistan Army’s decision to initiate court-martial proceedings against Lt. Gen. Hameed and other officers signals a strong message about accountability within the ranks of the armed forces.
In addition to the court-martial proceedings, the ISPR has indicated that further investigations are ongoing, with the possibility of more actions being taken against individuals found in violation of military laws and regulations. The military’s efforts to address these issues come at a critical juncture for Pakistan, as the country faces multiple challenges, including political instability, economic difficulties, and security concerns.
As these events unfold, the U.S. continues to monitor the situation closely, reaffirming its commitment to its partnership with Pakistan. The U.S. government remains focused on maintaining open channels of communication with Pakistan’s military and civilian leadership, ensuring that cooperation on regional security and other shared priorities remains a cornerstone of the bilateral relationship.
In conclusion, the U.S. response to the arrest of military officers in Pakistan underscores its stance of respecting Pakistan’s internal matters while reaffirming the importance of the U.S.-Pakistan partnership. The Pentagon’s emphasis on ongoing discussions between the two nations reflects the enduring nature of their relationship, even in the face of internal developments within Pakistan’s military. The U.S. remains committed to working with Pakistan on issues of mutual interest, particularly in areas that enhance regional security and promote shared goals.