As the nation marked the anniversary of the May 9 riots, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir firmly rejected any possibility of negotiation or compromise with those responsible for orchestrating the violence.
Throughout the day, political figures held press conferences and released statements condemning the violent incidents while holding the PTI accountable.
The turmoil erupted last year when former Prime Minister Imran Khan was arrested on May 9 in connection with a £190 million corruption case. His apprehension sparked widespread unrest, leading to violent clashes and attacks on key military installations. In response, the state launched a rigorous crackdown on his party.
Although Imran Khan was released shortly after the initial arrest, subsequent legal proceedings have seen numerous PTI members, including high-ranking officials, facing serious charges in court.
In a statement issued today by the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR), COAS Munir described May 9 as a dark day in Pakistan’s history, marked by a deliberate assault on symbols of state and national unity. He categorically stated that there would be no negotiation or leniency towards those responsible for such reprehensible acts.
The COAS emphasized that the perpetrators of the violence were now attempting to distort the narrative and implicate the state in their sinister agenda. He reaffirmed the army’s commitment to upholding the dignity of martyrs, their families, and the military itself.
Acknowledging the patience exercised by the armed forces in the face of ongoing provocations, COAS Munir underscored that there were limits to such tolerance and urged against misinterpreting it as weakness.
Furthermore, he commended the dedication and professionalism of the troops, highlighting their resilience against digital terrorism and attempts to sow division between the armed forces and the people of Pakistan.
Inaugurating the Jinnah Library at Lahore Garrison, COAS Munir symbolically emphasized the nation’s resilience in the face of destructive forces, aiming to honor the memory of Pakistan’s founding father amidst adversity.
These statements from the military leadership come in the wake of Imran Khan’s refusal to apologize for the May 9 riots, citing his detention during the events and subsequent lack of awareness about the protests.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the riots as an attempt to subvert democracy and establish an individual’s dictatorship. Addressing a special cabinet meeting, he underscored the need to remember the sacrifices of martyrs and their families, affirming unity against anti-state elements.
The government’s dedication to bringing the perpetrators to justice was echoed by Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, who denounced the riots as an assault on the sovereignty of the state.
As the nation solemnly commemorated the anniversary of the May 9 riots, calls for justice and unity reverberated across various political spheres. Despite ongoing challenges and political tensions, the resolve to uphold democratic values and preserve national unity remained unwavering.
 General Asim Munir firmly rejected any possibility of negotiation or compromise with those responsible for orchestrating the violence.){kind=link}