The interim government’s comprehensive report on May 9 has been released. It details a systematic and perilous approach by a major political party to manipulate state institutions to fulfil its political ambitions.
The report describes the day’s events as part of a calculated strategy to undermine the Pakistani military’s morale and coerce it into a political compromise favourable to former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).
According to the report, PTI’s tactics grew bolder following their unpunished previous attacks on state institutions. This escalation culminated in direct assaults on military facilities, intended to trigger internal discord within the army ranks and push for negotiations that would benefit PTI’s political stance.
The events of May 9 were highlighted as the peak of a long-standing campaign by PTI, advocating violence against its adversaries under the guise of national service. The investigative committee of the interim government expressed significant concern over the party’s willingness to compromise national security for electoral gains, noting such actions contradict the constitutional right to political assembly, which is intended to serve the populace, not to destabilize national institutions.
The report further outlines Khan’s consistent attempts to hold the military responsible for his administration’s downfall. He focused solely on this institution for negotiations while dismissing other political parties and leaders. His refusal to engage with other political entities and insistence on involving the military in political dialogues breached the constitutional requirement for the military to remain apolitical.
Despite the military’s resistance to political engagement, PTI is accused of creating a charged environment to pressure the military into negotiations, leveraging local and international media to support their cause. Mr. Khan’s failure to condemn the attacks on May 9 and his efforts to exacerbate public dissent against the military were pointed out as deliberate attempts to destabilize national security.
The strategy employed by PTI involved mobilizing public support to confront military installations, attempting to incite anti-military sentiments that could coerce the army into a political role, potentially positioning Khan as a mediator.
