RAWALPINDI: The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) released a statement on Thursday, strongly denouncing the violent acts of the May 9 riots last year. Pakistan’s armed forces, alongside the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) and services chiefs, condemned the criminal actions and vowed not to allow the perpetrators to evade justice.
Describing May 9 as a dark day in the nation’s history, ISPR labeled the events as politically motivated, orchestrated by brainwashed miscreants intent on rebellion. The statement highlighted the deliberate violence against state institutions and national heritage sites.
The protests erupted nationwide, particularly in the garrison town, following the arrest of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan. ISPR emphasized that those behind the conspiracy aimed to sow discord and blame state institutions.
ISPR reiterated the commitment to bring the planners, facilitators, and executors of the May 9 tragedy to justice, emphasizing the importance of preserving national unity and honoring heroes’ memories.
The statement praised the Armed Forces’ restraint during the violence, thwarting attempts to destabilize the country. It reaffirmed the resolve to defend Pakistan’s sovereignty against both external and internal threats.
President Asif Ali Zardari also condemned the riots, labeling them a dark day in Pakistan’s history. He called for accountability and unity among political parties to uphold democratic values and promote constructive dialogue.
Zardari emphasized the right to protest but stressed the need for responsibility and adherence to constitutional bounds.
