LAHORE: Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has affirmed his commitment to ensure that the individuals involved in the May 9 riots, which targeted military and civilian state installations, face justice “according to the laws as per the Constitution.”
The premier emphasized that those found guilty of attacking civilian institutions would be tried under the Anti-Terrorism Act in civil courts, while those responsible for vandalizing sensitive military installations would face trial under the army act.
#Live: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif addressing the meeting regarding law and order situation in Lahore https://t.co/fFrQYDwTRy
— Radio Pakistan (@RadioPakistan) May 21, 2023
The Prime Minister said this while addressing a meeting on the law and order situation in the country, particularly discussing the violence that ensued on May 9 following PTI Chairman Imran Khan’s arrest.
Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah, and acting Chief Minister of Punjab, along with the Secretary Prosecution of Punjab, provided a briefing during the meeting regarding the progress of cases against those involved in the protests. The provincial governments of Punjab, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, and Sindh submitted reports on the matter.
Pakistan’s PM declares May 9 as Black Day
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the acts of violence, stating that the events of May 9 would be remembered as a “Black Day.” He likened the actions of the rioters to those of the outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), highlighting the attacks on the Jinnah House in Lahore, now the Core Commander’s residence, and the GHQ (General Headquarters). The premier noted that the psychological impact of these events would be long-lasting for the nation.
PM Shehbaz emphasized that the government would not allow the rioters to evade the law, asserting that everyone involved in the May 9 events, including planners and instigators, would be held accountable. He referred to the decisions taken in the National Security Committee (NSC) meeting, where it was decided that perpetrators, planners, and executors of the attacks would be tried under relevant Pakistani laws, including the Army Act and the Official Secrets Act.
The NSC meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and attended by senior cabinet ministers, services chiefs, DG ISI, and other officials, declared May 9 as a black day at the national level. The participants expressed solidarity and support for the armed forces of Pakistan, paying tribute to the martyrs and their families.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reiterated that the government’s determination to ensure justice prevails and that no individual involved in the May 9 riots will escape legal consequences.
He emphasized the gravity of the situation and pledged to hold all responsible parties accountable, regardless of their involvement in planning, instigation, propagating incendiary rhetoric, or acts of vandalism.
