May 9 2023 is reckoned as a Black Day in the history of Pakistan. The legacy of this day has left deep scars on the national conscience. Countrywide vandalism perpetrated by a certain dissident political group, appears to be the consequence of sustained brainwashing and indoctrination of minds
The evil programming of masses can be attributed to a cult leader, who cleverly pitched commoners against the state institutions. Taking advantage of the public sympathy he and his party furthered his political philosophy and party agenda, treading a violent path of agitation and confrontation. The callous display of looting, plundering, arson, destruction of state infrastructure and well-thought-out planned attacks on the military installations, evidently reflect how violent mobs and misguided youth were exploited by this party for petty political gains.
Characterized with anguish, despair, dissension, dissatisfaction and intolerance, the memories of that May Day maim the national mosaic. The reputational hurt to the armed forces of Pakistan only served the foes of Pakistan, resulting in widespread chaos subsequently.
The riots highlighted the sad state of affairs of the leadership of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and its figurehead, Imran Khan. What happened on that fateful day was not simply a spontaneous explosion of public unhappiness, but rather the result of planned actions and policies, which sowed the seeds of conflict and division. The strikes targeted numerous vital military locations, including the Army Headquarters at Rawalpindi. That outburst, allegedly committed in response to the arrest of PTI’s founder in a corruption case, established a new standard for violence, agitation, and intolerance.
Under the pretext of political rhetoric and promises of reforms, the PTI-led Provincial Government has deliberately marginalized the dissenting voices, suppressed opposition, and destroyed democratic institutions. The deterioration of democratic norms and values has resulted in a severely polarized society, with complaints simmering beneath the surface, waiting for a spark to ignite and turn into arson.
Rather than addressing the issue by conversation and inclusive policies, PTI under the stewardship of its founder Imran Khan, chose to exploit the May 9 tragedy for political benefit. By appealing to radical elements and instilling religious feelings, the PTI unleashed forces that would become unmanageable. PTI’s political strategy hinged on divisive objectives, has sown seeds of intolerance, unrest, and violence in the ranks and file of the party as well as the society, as a whole. This is a dangerous trend of non-conformity even to basic and well-established rules. The violent mobs not only damaged state buildings and infrastructure but also desecrated national emblems and monuments associated with martyrs, thus hurting national pride.
The nation’s response has been overwhelming and magnanimous. All factions and segments, regardless of their affiliations, have come out in support to unequivocally condemn the May 9 incident. People have gathered in large crowds, on all fronts, to show their dismay against the tragedy. The rallies conducted by youth and common masses reflect that the nation has awakened to the reality that the sanctity of state and institutions is of paramount importance.
With so much evidence in hindsight now, it is clear that the events were not a sudden outburst but a carefully orchestrated escalation of tensions, with the PTI’s Provincial Government and Imran Khan at the forefront. Instead of trying to calm down the situation and uphold the rule of law, the PTI leadership and its politically charged followers, ignored the growing unrest, thus empowered those who were hell-bent on causing chaos and division in society.
The riots on May 9 across Pakistan have left deep scars, not just on the physical landscape but on the very soul of the nation. Adding to the turmoil were the provocative rhetoric and irresponsible actions of the PTI and Imran Khan. Instead of taking responsibility and working towards reconciliation, the PTI continued to stoke division, further polarizing an already fractured society. Imran Khan’s failure to provide decisive leadership in quelling the unrest only worsened the crisis. His reluctance to condemn the violence by his supporters and his refusal to engage in meaningful dialogue with opposition leaders reinforced the perception of a government, which was indifferent to its citizens’ plight. Moreover, the PTI-led Provincial Government’s crackdown on civil liberties after the riots, only increased the sense of injustice and alienation among large segments of the population. By suppressing dissent and silencing opposing voices, the PTI leadership further undermined trust in democratic institutions and deepened feelings of marginalization among targeted segments of society. It is now time to hold people accountable for the miseries they have caused to the nation.
As Pakistan marks one year since the May 9 riots, it is imperative to enact necessary legislation to prevent such lapses in the future. Pakistan must address the challenges posed by divisive politics and leadership failures, and strive for a society where the rule of law prevails and all individuals are held accountable for their actions. Only then can Pakistan begin to rebuild the shattered fabric of national security and move towards a more secure and stable future.
Scenes of dissension and divisive objectives have cultivated a national character for youth that will take ages to obliterate, reversing the tidal wave of anguish and despair. It is not only about the Armed Forces but also about the social and moral fabric of society, which has been gruesomely hurt by enemies. The presser from a spokesperson of the Pakistan armed forces on May 7 clearly enunciated that there would be no deal, no dialogue, with the masterminds, enablers, and prompters of the May 9 riots. The only graceful exit which can be offered to the PTI is through an unconditional public apology for the heinous crimes committed by its followers on the Black Day.
The nation’s response has been overwhelming and magnanimous. All factions and segments, regardless of their affiliations, have come out in support to unequivocally condemn the May 9 incident. People have gathered in large crowds, on all fronts, to show their dismay against the tragedy. The rallies conducted by youth and common masses reflect that the nation has awakened to the reality that the sanctity of state and institutions is of paramount importance.
