ISLAMABAD -UNS: PPP Senator Raza Rabbani said on Tuesday that while it was important that those involved in May 9 riots be brought to justice, trying civilians under army laws should be avoided as it would have “far-reaching repercussions for the state”.
The PPP stalwart shared his view while addressing a Senate session where he also linked economic stability to political stability.
“Today, we are experiencing the fallouts of the results of a failed rebellion against the state. The political instability today is giving rise to economic stability,” he said, before shifting his focus to the events of May 9, when countrywide protests had erupted following the arrest of PTI chief Imran Khan.
While the protests were underway, social media was flooded with footage of rioting and vandalism at various spots, including military installations.
Subsequently, the government decided to try the suspects of vandalism at military installations under army laws, particularly the Pakistan Army Act and Official Secrets Act.
Speaking on the matter today, Rabbani said strictest of the action should be taken against those who attacked military installations on May 9.
Because otherwise, “you will be heading towards another Beer House Putsch of Adolf Hitler” — a reference to a failed attempt at a coup by the Nazi Party in Germany in 1923.
“So … the state must act sternly, and the state must enforce its writ. But there is a caveat to that,” he said, stressing that this action should be taken within the rule of law.
‘Don’t create monsters, don’t create heroes of vandals’
Moreover, he said “let political forces take the course that history has destined for them”.
He went on to say that “by taking actions, don’t create monsters and don’t create heroes of vandals. If you will take such measures, you will make heroes out of those who perpetrated terrorism and get them sympathy votes”.
Rabbani said the “masterminds” of May 9 should also be taken to task.
“But there is a caveat to this as well. And that is that the trial of civilians under the Army Act and Official Secrets Act should be avoided.
“This is inappropriate. It will have its own far-reaching repercussions for the state,” he added.
