May 9 violence: military courts announce sentences for 25 accused, says ISPR

RAWALPINDI: Military courts have sentenced 25 individuals for their involvement in the attacks on state installations during the events of May 9, 2023, according to a statement from the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).

“In the first phase, Field General Court Martial has promulgated punishments to 25 accused,” the military’s media wing stated, referring to those who resorted to violence during the May 9 protests. These protests erupted after Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan was arrested in connection with a graft case. Subsequently, scores of PTI workers were detained, and over 100 civilians are currently undergoing military trials.

The PTI has maintained that it played no role in the attacks on state installations, including the ransacking of the General Headquarters (GHQ), and has called for a judicial inquiry into last year’s events.

The ISPR further noted that the sentences for the remaining accused are being processed and will be announced as soon as the due legal procedures are completed.

“All convicts have the right to appeal and other legal remedies, as guaranteed under the law and Constitution,” the statement added.

The military trials, which were initially paused following a Supreme Court ruling, resumed after the constitutional bench recently directed that pending cases be concluded and judgements announced for those found involved in the violent incidents.

ALSO READ

PTI expels Salman Ahmed for criticizing Imran Khan’s family

Describing the attacks, the ISPR stated that May 9 marked tragic events of politically driven violence and arson across multiple locations, constituting a dark chapter in Pakistan’s history.

The ISPR explained that politically orchestrated attacks, based on a sustained narrative of hate and lies, targeted armed forces’ installations and desecrated monuments honoring Shuhada.

“These egregious acts of violence shocked the nation and highlighted the need to counter this unacceptable attempt at political terrorism aimed at imposing a distorted agenda through violence and coercion,” the statement said.

Following these events, termed as a ‘Black Day,’ extensive investigations were conducted, resulting in the collection of irrefutable evidence for the legal prosecution of those involved.

Certain cases were subsequently referred for trial under the Field General Court Martial, where they were processed in accordance with the law, the ISPR stated.