NA passes resolution for swift trial of May 9 rioters under military law

Islamabad: In a significant development, the National Assembly (NA) unanimously passed a resolution on Monday, calling for a swift trial of all individuals involved in the violent events of May 9, including Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan.

The resolution, presented by Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, emphasized the need for timely action against the perpetrators and instigators, urging that they be prosecuted under the Pakistan Army Act of 1952.

The resolution did not explicitly name the PTI or its chairman, but it stated that a particular political party and its leader had violated the law and constitution by crossing boundaries and attacking military installations on May 9.

9 مئی کے واقعات میں ملوث ایک سیاسی جماعت اور اس کے سربراہ کے خلاف قانونی کاروائی کی قرارداد ایوان میں کثرت رائے سے منظور

قرارداد وفاقی وزیر دفاع خواجہ آصف کی طرف سے پیش کی گئی@KhawajaMAsif pic.twitter.com/gS17w5g9n6

— National Assembly 🇵🇰 (@NAofPakistan) June 12, 2023

It stressed that these actions had caused irreparable damage to both the state and its institutions. The resolution strongly rejected the notion that human rights violations were being committed during the handling of the individuals involved, dismissing such claims as baseless propaganda.

According to the resolution, those responsible for the violent acts on military installations must be expeditiously tried and sentenced under the Army Act of 1952. It pointed out that in other countries where similar attacks occur, the authority to try such individuals lies with the armed forces.

Defence Minister Asif reaffirmed that the government had not introduced any new legislation regarding the May 9 incidents. He underscored the importance of defending the country and protecting the lives of military personnel, emphasizing that the attacks on military installations were a deliberate attempt to undermine the sacrifices made by martyrs, a stance that could not be tolerated under any circumstances.

Furthermore, Asif accused the PTI of posing a threat to the integrity and sovereignty of Pakistan. The resolution passed by the National Assembly reflects the determination of the government and parliament to uphold the rule of law and ensure justice for the events that transpired on May 9.