Nation observes "Black Day" to mark first anniversary of May 9 riots

Pakistanis are observing "Black Day" today (Thursday) to mark the first anniversary of the May 9, 2023, violent attacks.

Last year on May 9,  several military and civil installations were vandalised by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) workers and supporters after the arrest of party founder Imran Khan in a corruption case, Al Qadir Trust case.

Following the violence, a total of 102 persons were arrested for their involvement in the attacks on military establishments, including the General Headquarters in Rawalpindi, Jinnah House in Lahore, PAF Base Mianwali, and an office of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) in Faisalabad.

Later, it was decided to try suspects of May 9 in military courts, however, the decision was declared null and void by a five-member Supreme Court  (SC) bench on October 23.

On the occasion of the first anniversary, President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the riots and vowed not to allow anyone to "assault the sanctity of our sacred homeland."

Taking to the microblogging site X, the premier said that "there can be no absolution for those who orchestrated, supported, and assisted the attempt to damage the foundations of our nation."

Let not the shadows of lies, hide the light of truth

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.

There can absolutely be no soft-pedaling of what happened on #May9 and there can…

— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) May 9, 2024

"Love of our country demands nothing less," he added with the hashtag #May9NeverAgain.

Condemning the violence, the President emphasised that "those responsible for the May 9 violence should be held accountable according to the law."

The President highlighted the need to harness the potential of Pakistan's youth for the country's benefit, rather than instigating them against state institutions.

— The President of Pakistan (@PresOfPakistan) May 8, 2024

Mr Zardari said that May 9 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."

However, Imran Khan's party refused the allegations of their involvement in the vandalism, saying the attacks were planned by the Pakistan Army itself.

The former ruling party also termed the riots a "False Flag Operation" that was falsely blamed on PTI.