Pakistan’s National Assembly passed a resolution denouncing the May 9 riots prompted by the arrest of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan in a corruption case earlier this month.
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif presented the resolution, endorsing the decision of the civil-military leadership to prosecute the rioters under relevant laws, including the Pakistan Army Act. The resolution strongly condemned the shocking, brazen, heart-wrenching, and shameless incidents on May 9, 2023, in certain parts of the country.
The resolution also reiterated the Assembly’s unwavering faith, complete solidarity, and support for the Armed Forces of Pakistan. It emphasized the observance of May 9 as a ‘Black Day,’ symbolizing the unprecedented violent protests by PTI supporters that lasted nearly three days following Imran Khan’s arrest.
During the countrywide riots, which lasted approximately 72 hours with suspended internet services, at least eight people lost their lives, and numerous others sustained injuries.
In today’s session, the legislators demanded the prosecution of all those involved in aiding, planning, facilitating, or directly or indirectly carrying out arson attacks on military installations, public and private properties, in accordance with the Antiterrorism Act 1997, the Army Act 1952, and the Pakistan Penal Code 1860.
Additionally, the resolution called upon relevant authorities to implement social media rules and regulations to address propaganda against the country’s institutions from within and outside Pakistan, facilitated by various actors. It stressed that individuals involved in such propaganda campaigns should be dealt with strictly in accordance with the law.
The resolution restated the commitment to national unity, harmony, and integrity in light of the current geostrategic situation, and it condemned all elements attempting to destabilize the country. It emphasized that the resolution of all political issues must adhere to parliamentary and democratic norms, and resorting to violence against state institutions and public and private properties is entirely unacceptable.
Addressing the assembly, Minister Asif stated that the rioters targeted military and public installations, sparing political offices during the May 9 protests. He asserted that their attack was not on military installations alone but on Pakistan as a whole, noting that such an attack would be expected from India, not fellow Pakistanis.
In light of the May 9 vandalism, the defense minister emphasized the necessity to defend the country’s armed forces, highlighting that nations who fail to honor their benefactors face destruction.
