In a striking development, sentences have been awarded to 25 individuals who were involved in the May 9, 2023, attacks on state installations by the military courts.
The announcement was made by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) on Saturday.
Also Read: Military courts issue sentences to 25 individuals involved in May 9 riots: ISPR.
About the suspects who resorted to violence during the May 9 protests, the army’s media wing said: “Field General Court Martial (FGCM) have in [the] first phase promulgated the punishments to 25 accused.”
The recent sentencing of 25 civilians by military courts for their involvement in violent attacks during the May 2023 riots has drawn significant attention. The protests erupted after the arrest of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan in a corruption case. In response to the unrest, scores of PTI workers were detained, and over 100 civilians now face military trials.
Following the military court’s decision, defense analysts and experts shared their perspectives on its significance while speaking to Private Media News Channel.
Main Instigators Behind the Convicts Were Masterminds
Brigadier (Retd.) Rashid Wali welcomed the military court’s verdict, expressing satisfaction that justice was served. He noted that although the process was slow, it underscored the seriousness of the May 9 events, where the sanctity of martyrs’ tombs was disregarded.
He emphasized that the verdict serves as a lesson for anyone planning similar acts in the future, stating, “The people punished were second-tier or third-tier political activists, while the masterminds behind them are the true instigators.” He called for justice to target those orchestrating such violence, accusing them of misleading individuals into harmful actions.
A Lesson for Political Leaders
Major General (Retd.) Zahid Mehmood highlighted the decision’s broader implications, describing it as a lesson for both political activists and leaders. He urged political leaders to protect their supporters from engaging in incitement and violence.
Mehmood also assured that the convicted individuals would receive fair treatment, noting that they would be transferred to civil jails and have the right to appeal their sentences. He warned of potential propaganda on social media following the verdict, calling for caution to prevent further polarization.
“This decision will strengthen Pakistan,” he asserted.
Convicts Were Misled and Exploited
Brigadier (Retd.) Haris Nawaz expressed support for the court’s decision, emphasizing that the convicts were used as pawns by planners and abettors. He described the attacks on military installations and the desecration of martyrs’ monuments as despicable acts driven by manipulation and brainwashing.
Nawaz identified the real culprits as the instigators and planners, asserting that the verdict should deter future misconduct.
A Positive Development
Brigadier (Retd.) Babar Alauddin praised the military courts for delivering timely justice, noting their role in extraordinary circumstances. However, he stressed that true justice would be achieved only when the planners and facilitators of the May 9 violence are also held accountable.
Calling the verdict a positive development, Alauddin reminded that the convicts could appeal their sentences in higher courts.
Potential Impact on PTI
Legal expert Muneeb Farooq highlighted the unprecedented nature of these trials, noting that unlike previous cases involving terrorists, this time, ordinary citizens were convicted for their roles in the violence.
Farooq speculated on the possible repercussions for PTI leadership, suggesting that this may be a step toward connecting the riots to the party’s top leadership. He predicted further developments in the coming days, hinting that upcoming convictions could have far-reaching implications for PTI.
“This could significantly impact PTI, especially if the convictions are linked to its leadership,” Farooq concluded.
