The NSC defines May 9 to be “Black Day” as a show of support for the military.
ISLAMABAD: The National Security Committee (NSC) meeting, led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, convened to address the violent protests that occurred on May 9 and to express solidarity with the armed forces. The prime minister condemned the acts of vandalism and referred to them as acts of terrorism, emphasizing the severity of the situation. He declared that May 9 would be remembered as a Black Day in the history of Pakistan.
PM Shehbaz stressed the importance of identifying and punishing those responsible for the violent incidents, including the attacks on the General Headquarters, Lahore Corps Commander House, and other military installations. He asserted that the perpetrators must face the consequences of their actions as a deterrent for future incidents. The prime minister emphasized that innocent individuals should be protected, but the culprits involved in these heinous crimes should not be spared, even if influential figures seek leniency for them.
PM Shehbaz expressed deep grief over the arson attack on Jinnah House and remarked that he had never witnessed such a situation before. He asserted that those responsible for the violence of May 9 would be brought to justice. He condemned the acts of vandalism as acts of terrorism, bringing shame upon the nation. While not directly naming the political party involved, the prime minister referred to them as responsible for attacking military installations and public property, causing damage that even the enemy could not have inflicted in the last 75 years.
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The prime minister pledged that the criminals who burnt and damaged government properties, attacked the relics of the armed forces, and targeted the office of ISI in Faisalabad would not escape punishment. He reiterated that the entire nation stands united with their armed forces against such acts of violence.
The NSC meeting was attended by provincial chief ministers, federal ministers, services chiefs, and other high-ranking officials. The prime minister had called for the meeting to review the law and order situation in the country, specifically addressing the violent protests that occurred following the arrest of the deposed prime minister on corruption charges related to the Al-Qadir Trust case.
The arrest of the former prime minister sparked protests across Pakistan by enraged supporters of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party. The protests escalated into violence, with military establishments, government buildings, and police stations being targeted. The army was deployed in multiple cities to restore order. Numerous arrests were made, and several individuals were injured or killed during the unrest.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has instructed the authorities to identify and apprehend all those involved in the violent acts within 72 hours. The cases will be tried in anti-terrorism courts, and the government is employing all available resources, including technology and intelligence, to track down the culprits. Bringing the perpetrators to justice is seen as a crucial test case for the government, as it aims to restore law and order and demonstrate its commitment to safeguarding the nation’s security.
