LAHORE: Following the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) declaration of potential protests against alleged electoral irregularities, Caretaker Punjab Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi cautioned on Monday about the possibility of unrest akin to the events of May 9 last year.
The disturbances on May 9 unfolded nationwide following the apprehension of former Prime Minister Imran Khan in connection with a £190 million settlement case. Numerous PTI affiliates and high-ranking members were detained for their involvement in acts of violence and assaults on military installations.
During these demonstrations, rioters targeted both civilian and military sites, including Jinnah House and the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi. The military denounced May 9 as a “Black Day” and opted to prosecute the demonstrators under the Army Act.
“Peaceful protest is a fundamental right, but if there’s a recurrence of incidents like those of May 9, stringent measures will be enforced,” stated Naqvi during a media briefing following the inauguration of a pharmaceutical storage facility in Lahore. He further assured that individuals would not be obstructed from staging peaceful protests.
The caretaker CM also clarified that the decision to suspend mobile phone services nationwide was made by the federal government, emphasizing that his interim administration discharged its duties as mandated.
Naqvi additionally affirmed that anyone contesting the election outcomes could approach the appropriate channels.
The populace cast their votes on February 8 amidst the suspension of mobile phone services nationwide.
The 2024 election results have been startling, with the PTI-founded party emerging as a significant contender in the federal government and two provincial assemblies — Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
According to unofficial tallies, candidates backed by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf have secured over 90 seats in the National Assembly and 116 in the Punjab Assembly.
However, in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the party commands a two-thirds majority, clinching 84 out of the 113 seats contested on February 8.
These candidates are technically independent since their party was divested of its electoral symbol.
Nevertheless, the party has alleged widespread electoral malpractice aimed at thwarting its bid for a majority.
(Islamabad51_Newsdesk)
