NA passes resolution against May 9 vandalism by majority vote

Resolution demands perpetrators be dealt with under the provisions of Pakistan Army Act and Anti-Terrorism Act

The National Assembly gathered for a significant meeting under the chairmanship of Speaker Raja Pervaiz Ashraf on Monday, during which Defense Minister Khawaja Asif presented a resolution addressing the events of May 9 tragedy.

The resolution, condemning the distressing incidents that unfolded on that day, was passed by a majority vote, signifying the Assembly's stance on the matter.

The text of the resolution underscored the need for all May 9 cases to be conducted in accordance with existing laws. It specifically highlighted the alarming events that occurred following the arrest of PTI chief Imran Khan, calling for action to be taken against the elements involved in acts of vandalism, as well as their aides and helpers.

The resolution demanded that these individuals be dealt with under the provisions of the Pakistan Army Act, Anti-Terrorism Act, and Combined Penal Code.

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Furthermore, the resolution acknowledged that the events of May 9 had a detrimental impact on Pakistan's international image. It expressed the National Assembly's unwavering solidarity with the armed forces in the face of these challenges.

After deliberation, the Speaker of the National Assembly proceeded to conduct a vote on the resolution. With the majority of members present in favour, the resolution was approved by the House, solidifying the Assembly's position on addressing the May 9 events.

On May 9, in an unprecedented show of vandalism, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) supporters attacked and caused damage to government building, including the military installations hours after the arrest of PTI chief Imran Khan.

They not only attacked the historic Corps' Commander’s House — originally known as Jinnah House and which once served as the residence of the founding father of the nation, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah — and other military installations but also stormed the GHQ building in Rawalpindi hours after the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) arrested Khan in the Al-Qadir Trust corruption case.

The ousted prime minister was arrested from inside the premises of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) earlier that day, triggering protests in many cities of the country by party activists and supporters as they clashed with the law enforcement agencies.

Judicial commission to reveal truth: Asif

Defense Minister Khawaja Asif took the floor in the National Assembly to discuss the ongoing investigations into the May 9 incidents. He revealed that a judicial commission had been established to thoroughly investigate the matter and shed light on the truth.

Minister Asif emphasised the importance of identifying the individuals involved by exposing their faces after analysing the collected audio evidence.

During his address, the PML-N leader expressed his belief that if Justice Munib Akhtar, Justice Ijazul Ahsan, and Justice Mazahar Ali Akbar Naqvi were part of the Audio Leaks Commission, it would have instilled greater satisfaction within the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf.

Also read: Justice Isa-led commission probing audio leaks to make proceedings public

He acknowledged the appointment of Justice Qazi Faiz Isa as the head of the Audio Leaks Commission, noting that the commission comprises only three judges from the Supreme Court and does not include any members of parliament. The minister stated that the senior-most judges of the Supreme Court were included in the commission to ensure impartiality and transparency.

Asif vehemently condemned the May 9 attacks, stating that they were not only directed at military installations but at the entire nation of Pakistan. He likened the perpetrators' actions to tactics typically associated with India, asserting that such actions should never be expected from fellow Pakistanis. The defense minister expressed confidence that once the roles of those involved are identified, the public will gain clarity and understanding regarding the events.

Highlighting the significance of the targets chosen in the attacks, the minister questioned why the Corps Commander's house and Martyrs' memorials were specifically targeted. He reassured the assembly that the individuals responsible would face legal proceedings under the Anti-Terrorism Act and the Military Act, ensuring justice is served.