May 9 violence: Tarar presents 'irrefutable' evidence against PTI leaders

Information minister calls for swift court action to set precedent against similar incidents in future

Information Minister Attaullah Tarar called on the judiciary to expedite rulings on cases related to the May 9 violence where attacks targeted sensitive installations and memorials of national martyrs. 

In a press conference on Saturday, Tarar presented what he claimed was irrefutable evidence, including CCTV footage, linking senior Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders to orchestrating the violence.

The footage allegedly connects PTI leaders and supporters to coordinated attacks across several cities, including Lahore, Gujranwala, Rawalpindi, and Peshawar. 

"The evidence is undeniable, and now it is up to the courts to ensure swift justice,” Tarar asserted, alleging that PTI members received direct orders to target key national sites. He also accused the PTI of orchestrating a “well-organised conspiracy” aimed at destabilising the country.

The minister criticised PTI founder Imran Khan and party members for purportedly damaging national identity and security, referring to the party as “Tehreek-e-Inteshar” (Movement for Chaos). He claimed their actions aligned with adversarial narratives, questioning whether PTI leaders would acknowledge responsibility and apologise to the nation.

Assuring the public of the authenticity of the evidence, he stated, “All evidence, including CCTV footage, is secure and unalterable.” Tarar highlighted the need for prompt judicial action to set a precedent and deter future incidents of this nature.

In conclusion, he called upon the PTI to cease calls for foreign intervention and urged the party’s leadership to take accountability.