The Pakistan Army emphasized on Thursday that there would be no leniency shown towards the “planners, facilitators, and executors” of the May 9 tragedy, and they would not be permitted to circumvent the law.
In a statement released by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the military strongly condemned the events of the day, attributing politically motivated violence to “indoctrinated troublemakers” who deliberately attacked state institutions and desecrated national symbols and heritage sites “as an act of rebellion.”
The military described these events as a “futile attempt” to initiate a misguided and short-sighted revolution within the country.
“By exercising utmost restraint amidst this orchestrated violence, the Pakistan Armed Forces thwarted a sinister plot by the masterminds, facilitators, and perpetrators aiming to destabilize Pakistan by inciting discord between the populace and the armed forces,” the ISPR statement asserted.
Further elaborating, the army revealed that after failing to disrupt national harmony and stability, those behind the conspiracy launched a “malicious campaign of hatred” against the armed forces and the state, attempting to manipulate the narrative to their advantage and “shift the blame onto state institutions.”
The ISPR emphasized the imperative need to ensure that the true culprits behind the May 9 riots are brought to justice, asserting a renewed commitment to defending Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity against both external and internal adversaries, and to upholding the dignity and honour of the martyrs and their families “at any cost.”
“Pakistan Armed Forces share a special bond with the people of Pakistan. Today, let us unite to vehemently condemn the schemes aimed at weakening Pakistan and work together for the prosperity and stability of our beloved nation,” concluded the ISPR.
Nationwide protests targeting sensitive state and military installations erupted following the arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan from the premises of the Islamabad High Court on May 9, 2023.
Among the attacked installations were the army’s General Headquarters in Rawalpindi and the residence of the corps commander in Lahore. In Peshawar, protesters set fire to the Radio Pakistan premises.
In response, the government imposed a mobile internet blockade and cracked down on PTI leaders, workers, and supporters, as well as individuals perceived to be aligned with the party within the media and legal fraternity.
The day’s events reportedly resulted in eight protester deaths, over 190 injured police officers, and hundreds of arrests.
On May 10, Section 144 was enforced nationwide, and military deployment was ordered to quell the unrest.
Imran Khan later alleged that he was struck on the head with batons during his arrest by Rangers personnel. He remarked that the treatment he received from NAB during custody was acceptable.
When questioned about the violent protests following his arrest on May 9, Imran queried how he could have prevented the riots, reiterating his earlier warning of a “reaction” in case of his arrest.
In a recent press conference, Director General of the ISPR Major General Ahmed Sharif called for a sincere and public apology from the incarcerated former premier for the events of May 9. He urged Imran Khan to abandon what he termed the “politics of anarchy and hate” to revive his political fortunes.
Major General Sharif dismissed any possibility of a “deal” with the PTI founder, asserting that there would be no negotiations with “anarchists.”
While the army expressed readiness for the establishment of a judicial commission on the matter, it refuted the PTI’s narrative that May 9 was a “false flag operation.”
The DG ISPR maintained, “May 9 is not a concealed incident; the incontrovertible evidence of the occurrences is also accessible to the public.”
May 10,2024
Source: Express Tribune, ISPR