The nation is observing May 9 as a black day on Thursday, with the government saying the public will neither forget the perpetrators of the violent incidents on that day nor will allow the repetition of such criminal acts against the motherland, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

It was the day when a chaos-prone political gang hatched a conspiracy and attacked Pakistan's integrity, security, and development.

A special meeting of the federal cabinet has been convened today, which will be addressed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

The prime minister will also address a special event in connection with May 9 incidents, to be organized at the Convention Centre in Islamabad today.

President Zardari's message

President Asif Ali Zardari has said that 9th May, 2023, will always be remembered as a dark day in Pakistan’s history when a politically instigated mob ran amok across the country, damaging public property and military installations.

Condemning the violence, Zardari said that the unfortunate incidents severely tarnished the country’s image, which only served the interests of Pakistan’s enemies.

The president, in his message, termed the mob attacks an attempt to challenge the writ of the state, undermine the rule of law and weaken the institutions.

He said that peaceful demonstrations and constructive criticism were the essence of democracy, emphasizing that Pakistan’s Constitution enshrined the fundamental rights of assembly and expression.

Nonetheless, he stressed the vital importance of exercising “these rights with utmost responsibility, adhering strictly to the bounds of constitutional and legal provisions”.

He affirmed that any attempt to misuse “these rights to incite violence will never be tolerated. We have never seen such vandalism in responsible democracies, with violent mobs wreaking havoc on state properties for political gains.”

The president expressed pride in Pakistan’s Armed Forces and its institutions, which had been a vanguard in defending the nation against various threats.

He emphasised that those responsible for the May 9 violence should be held accountable according to the law.

President Zardari observed that Pakistan faced numerous challenges, and such irresponsible acts by political forces not only hindered the progress achieved as a nation but further exacerbated socio-economic challenges.

“The current political situation demands that all political parties work towards promoting tolerance, democratic values, and political dialogue, and provide a clear direction to the nation.”

The president urged political parties, the Parliament, the media, and civil society to strengthen democracy by upholding the rule of law, and fostering a culture of tolerance, political dialogue and inclusivity.

He also condemned the malicious social media campaign against state institutions, saying that a mechanism should be evolved to check and counter such disinformation campaigns.

The president highlighted the need to harness the potential of youth for the country’s benefit, rather than instigating them against state institutions. He also called for collective efforts to build a better future for generations to come and putting an end to political polarization and hatred.

No soft-pedaling of May 9 incidents: PM

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday reiterated that there could absolutely be no soft-pedaling of what happened on May 9 and no absolution for those who orchestrated, supported, and assisted the attempt to damage the foundations of the nation.

On the first anniversary of the May 9 incidents, the prime minister took to X saying, “One year ago today, not only were symbols of our national pride and honor attacked, but the sanctity of our sacred homeland was also assaulted.”

“Let not the shadows of lies, hide the light of truth… Love of our country demands nothing less,” he remarked.

In another post, the prime minister had said that May 9 was a day that separated two distinct mindsets – one that sacrificed for the country and the other that betrayed the nation for personal gains.

“One year has passed, but the nation has not forgotten its betrayers and will never forget them, he added.

https://twitter.com/CMShehbaz/status/1788406922842128634

Bilawal for judicial probe into May 9 attacks

PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has condemned May 9 as yet another dark chapter in the nation’s history. He urged that justice must prevail for the perpetrators who attacked Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s residence, Jinnah House, and military installations, adding that the violence on May 9 was a malevolent scheme aimed at sowing chaos and enforcing fascism in the country.

According to the press release from the Media Cell Bilawal House, Chairman PPP, in his message, said that the instigator behind the strongly condemnable events of May 9 is well-known to everyone. He emphasized that Pakistan cannot afford to ignore the violence that perpetuated on May 9.

He further said that such actions have no precedence in Pakistan’s political history, adding that leaking classified documents and attacking military installations is not politics; it’s anti-national.

Bilawal said that his party, the PPP, supports the demand for a judicial inquiry, overseen by the Chief Justice, is imperative for investigating the events of May 9. However, he emphasized that for this to occur, all parties, including the PTI, must commit to accepting whatever decision the judicial commission arrives at.

https://twitter.com/MediaCellPPP/status/1788258641084108935

Nation to neither forget nor forgive May 9: CM Maryam

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif said that the nation will neither forget nor forgive May 9.

In her message regarding May 9 issued on Thursday, Maryam Nawaz said it is necessary to bring the plotters against Pakistan to justice. She said those who violated the dignity of the country and the nation for the sake of politics cannot be forgiven.

The CM said those who desecrate the martyrs do not know their spiritual status. She vowed to never let May 9 like incidents happen again.