ISLAMABAD -UNS: The National Security Committee (NSC) decided on Tuesday to observe May 9 — when multiple incidents of violence and vandalism were reported amid protests sparked by PTI chief Imran Khan’s arrest — as “Black Day” at the national level.
While the protests were under way, social media was flooded with footage of a mob clashing with police in Karachi, attacking and entering the army’s head office, General Headquarters, in Rawalpindi and vandalising the Lahore corps commander’s residence.
Meanwhile, state broadcaster Radio Pakistan’s building was also set on fire in Peshawar.
The NSC’s decision of today is the latest in the string of condemnations of the May 9 events by the country’s civil and military leadership.
The meeting of the body, which is the highest forum for coordination on security issues, was convened under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at the Prime Minister’s House in Islamabad. It was attended by federal ministers, Chief of Army Staff Gen Asim Munir, Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee Chairman Gen Sahir Shamshad Mirza and other top brass, among other senior officials.
A statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office after the meeting said it was reiterated during the session that a policy of “zero tolerance” would be adopted towards violence and disturbance of peace.
It added that the meeting’s participants expressed solidarity with the armed forces, “strongly condemning rioting and attacks on military installations for personal and political interests”.
“The participants reiterated the resolve of not tolerating any violation of the sanctity and honour of military installations and public property and being all elements involved in the black day of May 9 to justice,” the PMO statement read.
They also supported the top brass’ decision of booking cases under relevant laws — including military laws the Pakistan Army Act and the Official Secrets Act — against “miscreants, planners, instigators and facilitators” involved in these acts, the statement added.
“The forum made it clear that no leniency will be shown to those who attack military installations and properties under any agenda.”
The statement further said directives were issued during the meeting to ensure the implementation of social media rules and regulations so that propaganda, which had“external patronage and internal facilitation“, could be curbed and those spreading it could be taken to task.
Moreover, participants of the meeting emphasised “national unity” in light of the geo-strategic situation amid “global political conflicts and the policy of stabilisation adopted by hostile powers”.
They stressed the need to resolve political differences through dialogue, in accordance with democratic values, instead of engaging in confrontations.
The PMO statement said tributes were paid to martyrs and their families in the meeting.
Addressing the meeting, PM Shehbaz expressed similar views as the rest of the meeting’s participants, saying no leniency would be shown to those involved in vandalism during protests sparked by Imran’s arrest.
