As the nation somberly marks the first anniversary of the May 9 riots, President Asif Ali Zardari has condemned the incident as a stain on the country’s history, severely damaging its reputation. The riots erupted following the arrest of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder and former Prime Minister Imran Khan in the £190 million settlement case, leading to widespread chaos and violence.
President Zardari’s Message:
President Zardari described the politically motivated attacks on military installations as an assault on the state’s authority, a challenge to the rule of law, and an attempt to weaken national institutions. The riots, which saw hundreds of protestors vandalizing government buildings and military installations across the country, have been denounced as an attempt to destabilize Pakistan by its adversaries.
Military installations such as Jinnah House and the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi were among the targets of the violent mobs, prompting the military to declare May 9 as a “Black Day” and initiate legal proceedings against the perpetrators under the Army Act.
In response to the riots, a nationwide crackdown was launched against the PTI, resulting in numerous arrests and trials in military courts. Additionally, several senior leaders and political figures distanced themselves from the former ruling party, seeking to dissociate from the violence.
President Zardari emphasized the importance of holding those responsible for the riots accountable, urging unity among political parties to uphold democratic values and promote tolerance. While acknowledging the right to protest and criticize constructively, he emphasized the need for responsible exercise of these rights within the bounds of the law.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif denounces riots:
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif denounced the May 9 riots as a betrayal of the nation’s interests for personal gains. He reiterated the government’s commitment to ensure that those involved in orchestrating or supporting the violence face legal consequences.
In a series of statements, Prime Minister Shehbaz emphasized the sacrifices made by patriotic citizens and vowed to uphold the sanctity of the country. He pledged to honor the memory of the martyrs and strive for progress and prosperity, despite the challenges posed by the riots.
The Prime Minister is scheduled to address a special event commemorating the anniversary of the riots, with plans to declare May 9 as a “black day.” Special sessions have been convened in the Punjab and Balochistan assemblies to condemn the incidents.
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