Pakistan is tense on Thursday on the first anniversary of the unprecedented violence last year by supporters of jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan against key military installations and government buildings.
According to security agencies the chaos witnessed on May 9 of the previous year was instigated by followers of Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party, who were incited to react following the arrest of their leader on charges of alleged corruption. Supporters of Khan’s party proceeded to vandalize a dozen military installations.
PTI leadership, alleging that May 9 was planned by its opponents, has announced “peaceful protests” on the first anniversary. Party Secretary General Omar Ayub Khan said in a statement that the government launched a crackdown against its workers .
In the aftermath of the 9th May Mayhem, the world watches with bated breath as leaders navigate the delicate balance between reality and intrigue, seeking to unravel the mysteries behind the chaos.
In the wake of the 9th May Mayhem, leaders from across the globe have begun to share their perspectives on the tumultuous events that unfolded.
The unfortunate incidents of 9th May ,severely tarnished the country’s image President Zardari
President Asif Ali Zardari has stated that 9th May 2023, will always be remembered as a dark day in Pakistan’s history when a politically instigated mob ran amok across the country, damaging public property and military installations.
In a statement issued by the President’s House while condemning the violence, he said that the unfortunate incidents severely tarnished the country’s image, which only served the interests of Pakistan’s enemies.
He termed the mob attacks as an attempt to challenge the writ of the state, undermine the rule of law and weaken the institutions.
9th May is the darkest day of history says P.M Shehbaz
Describing May 9 as a day etched in the darkest annals of history, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif underscored the imperative to prioritize the nation’s interests above all else.
He stressed the need to differentiate between those who selflessly laid down their lives for the country and those who sought to sow seeds of discord and hatred.
“May 9 is not merely a date on the calendar; it is a reminder of the sacrifices made by brave sons of the nation and a call to extinguish the flames of animosity,” remarked the Prime Minister. He reiterated his commitment to eradicating the forces that threaten the peace and stability of the country.
I condemned the events of May 9 in front of the then chief justice says Imran Khan
“I only came to know about the events of May 9 when I was presented in the Supreme Court… I condemned the events of May 9 in front of the then chief justice Umar Atta Bandial,” he said.
“For God’s sake, don’t drag army into politics… we have never indulged in agitation in our 27-year history… we dissolved two governments [in Punjab and at Centre] for elections because our political party does not want chaos,” the incarcerated leader said.
PTI reiterates demand of JC to probe May 9 mayhem :
The PTI spokesperson said that “the May 9 false flag operation was a well-planned conspiracy aimed at dismantling PTI” but added that it was rejected by the public on February 8, 2024, general elections.
The party urged for all the “stolen evidence”, including crucial CCTV footage, to be laid bare before the commission to bring the masterminds, perpetrators and abettors of last year’s turmoil to justice.
Bilawal called for the judicial inquiry on May 9 mayhem.
Expressing his thoughts, the former foreign minister said: “May 9 is also the darkest day in the country’s history. Those who attacked the military installations and Jinnah House will have to be held accountable.”
He said: “The grisly conspiracy was staged to spread unrest and impose fascism in the country.”
CM Maryam resolves to avert events like May 9 :
Expressing her thoughts on the occasion of the May 9 anniversary, CM Maryam said: “May 9 mayhem is the blackest chapter in the country’s history. Even the enemies cannot do what those who were looking for power did on May 9.Those who tried to weaken the country are exposed. They [the May 9 culprits] do not deserve forgiveness for harming the country for the sake of staging politics.”
“Those who have maligned the martyrs are not aware of their [martyrs] status,” she said.
PTI founder gets offer to apologise over May 9 mayhem: Khawaja Asif
Recalling the events that transpired on May 9 last year, Asif said: “It is a deplorable act to target the martyrs of the country. What kind of message was given by attacking the military installations?”
“May 9 is not about the ego of any person, but about the ego of the country,” he said.
NA speaker terms May 9 as darkest day in country’s history :
Earlier today, Sadiq said that May 9 will be remembered as the darkest day in the history of the country.
He said: “The enraged group had attacked the military installations.”
Sadiq said: “The attack was an attempt to weaken the institutions and challenge the writ of the state.”