The caretaker government’s assessment of the events of May 9 suggests a calculated and perilous strategy aimed not only at coercing the Pakistan Army into a political settlement to meet Imran Khan’s demands but also as a bold attempt to foment rebellion within the armed forces in favour of the PTI.
According to the report, the party’s audacity stemmed from a perceived lack of decisive action by state institutions against its previous acts of violence. The direct assault on military installations was intended to undermine the army’s resolve and compel it into political negotiations. Additionally, it was a misguided endeavour to instigate insubordination within the armed forces in support of PTI’s agenda.
The report highlights that the events of May 9, 2023, were not isolated incidents but part of a premeditated and hazardous scheme to coerce state institutions into yielding to Mr. Khan’s demands.
Moreover, it underscores that Mr. Khan’s approach has long centered around a personality cult and a narrative that justified violence against political opponents as a service to the nation.
The caretaker government’s committee, deeply troubled by these developments, emphasized that a responsible political party should uphold national interests instead of pursuing reckless agendas that harm state institutions and jeopardize national security.
Mr. Khan’s persistent disregard for parliamentary norms and his attempts to drag the military into politics contravene constitutional principles. Despite his disdain for other political parties, he sought to engage exclusively with the military establishment to achieve his political objectives.
The report further notes that Mr. Khan’s failure to denounce or disown the May 9 events and his distortion of facts to widen the gap between the people and the armed forces underscore his divisive tactics.
A strategy was devised to showcase street power by targeting defence installations, with the aim of directing PTI supporters’ anger towards the military and coercing them into dialogue. This strategy relied on the assumption that clashes between unarmed protesters and the military would breed anti-military sentiment, thus isolating the armed forces and compelling their involvement in politics.
Overall, the report portrays a calculated attempt to exploit public sentiment and manipulate national security dynamics for political gain, posing a grave threat to Pakistan’s democratic norms and institutional integrity.
May 12, 2024
Source: The News International