The National Assembly approves a resolution in support of the May 9 rioters’ military law trial.
ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly convened on Monday and unanimously passed a resolution condemning the deplorable incidents that occurred on May 9. The resolution expressed unwavering support and solidarity with the armed forces in response to the widespread attacks on martyrs’ monuments and defense installations across Pakistan. These incidents unfolded subsequent to 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 the appropriate laws, including the Pakistan Army Act. The resolution strongly denounced the shocking, audacious, heart-wrenching, and shameless acts that transpired in various parts of the country on May 9, 2023.
Additionally, the National Assembly reaffirmed its complete faith, solidarity, and support for the Armed Forces of Pakistan. It emphasized the designation of May 9 as a ‘Black Day,’ symbolizing the unprecedented and prolonged violent protests carried out by PTI supporters following the arrest of their leader, Imran Khan.
The riots that ensued during this period resulted in the loss of at least eight lives, with dozens more injured. Internet services remained suspended throughout the country for approximately 72 hours. During the parliamentary session, the lawmakers demanded the prosecution of all individuals involved in inciting, planning, facilitating, or directly participating in arson attacks against military installations, as well as public and private properties. They advocated for the implementation of existing laws, such as the Anti-terrorism Act 1997, Army Act 1952, and Pakistan Penal Code 1860.
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Furthermore, the resolution urged relevant authorities to enforce social media regulations and rules to address the propaganda targeting Pakistan’s institutions, originating both domestically and from foreign entities, with support and facilitation from multiple actors. It emphasized that those engaged in such propaganda campaigns should be strictly dealt with in accordance with the law.
The resolution reiterated a commitment to national unity, harmony, and the integrity of Pakistan in light of the prevailing geostrategic circumstances. It condemned all elements that seek to destabilize the country and emphasized that the resolution of political issues must always remain within the framework of parliamentary and democratic norms. Resorting to violence against state institutions, as well as public and private properties, was unequivocally deemed unacceptable.
During his address to the assembly, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif highlighted that the rioters had specifically targeted military and public installations, sparing political offices from damage during the May 9 protests. He emphasized that this attack was not merely on military installations but on the entire nation of Pakistan. Such an assault, he argued, would be expected from India rather than from fellow Pakistanis. In light of the vandalism witnessed on May 9, the defence minister stressed the imperative to defend the armed forces of the country, emphasizing that nations that fail to honor their protectors are bound for destruction.
