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Chief of Army Staff Vows No Compromise with Planners of May 9 Riots; Political Leaders Condemn Violence
COAS General Asim Munir pledges no leniency towards orchestrators of violent riots; political figures across parties strongly denounce attacks, blame PTI for instigation."
ND
by News Desk
2024-05-09
Chief of Army Staff Vows No Compromise with Planners of May 9 Riots; Political Leaders Condemn Violence

As the nation commemorated the anniversary of the May 9 riots, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir unequivocally rejected any notion of compromise with the individuals responsible for orchestrating the violent events.

The COAS's statement comes amidst a backdrop of political leaders holding press conferences and issuing statements throughout the day, vehemently condemning the riots while squarely placing blame on the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) for their incitement.

The riots, which erupted following the arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan in a £190 million graft case last year, resulted in widespread violence and targeted attacks on significant military installations. In response, the state initiated a severe crackdown against the PTI, leading to the arrest of thousands of party workers and top-tier leadership.

According to a statement from the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), COAS Munir declared May 9 as a "black day" in Pakistan's history, condemning the deliberate and orchestrated violence perpetrated against symbols of state and national unity. He emphasized that there would be no compromise or deal with the planners and architects of this dark chapter, citing their brazen attempts to distort the narrative and implicate the state in their actions.

The COAS reassured officers and soldiers that disrespect towards martyrs, their families, or the military would not be tolerated. He affirmed that those responsible for the May 9 riots would be brought to justice in accordance with the law.

Furthermore, COAS Munir commended troops for their dedication and professionalism, noting that inimical forces and their abettors were resorting to digital terrorism to create divisions between the armed forces and the people of Pakistan. He vowed that the designs of these forces would be thwarted with the support of the nation.

The inauguration of the Jinnah Library at Lahore Garrison marked a symbolic gesture towards resilience and rebuilding in the face of adversity. COAS Munir underscored the importance of constructive efforts to honor the memory of Pakistan's founder, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, amidst challenges posed by destructive forces.

Meanwhile, former Prime Minister Imran Khan, speaking after court proceedings in the corruption case, refused to apologize for the May 9 riots. He maintained that he was under detention at the time and unaware of the protests, emphasizing his condemnation of violent demonstrations.

Political leaders, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, highlighted the nefarious aims behind the riots, with PM Shehbaz describing them as an attempt to end democracy in Pakistan and establish individual dictatorship. He reaffirmed the government's commitment to justice and unity, vowing to remember and support the martyrs and their families.

Condemnations poured in from various quarters, with politicians across parties denouncing the riots as an attack on the state and its institutions. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif and Information Minister Attaullah Tarar accused the PTI of being behind the violence, calling for strict disciplinary action against those involved.

Amidst these developments, the military's media affairs wing stressed the importance of bringing the real culprits of the May 9 riots to justice to safeguard the memories of the nation's heroes. It reiterated the armed forces' commitment to defending Pakistan's sovereignty and territorial integrity against internal and external threats.

The narrative surrounding the May 9 riots remains charged with political implications, as leaders and institutions grapple with the aftermath of the violent events and seek accountability for those responsible.
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