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NA passes resolution backing May 9 rioters’ trial under military laws

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The National Assembly on Monday passed a resolution to condemn “shameless incidents” on May 9 and expressed solidarity with armed forces in the wake of attacks on martyrs’ monuments and defence installations almost across the country following Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan’s arrest in a corruption case earlier this month.

The resolution tabled by Defence Minister Khawaja Asif backed the civil-military leadership’s decision to try rioters under relevant laws of the country including the Pakistan Army Act.

It said the lower house of parliament “vehemently condemned the shocking, brazen, heart-wrenching and shameless incidents which took place in certain parts of the country on the 9th May 2023”.

The house also expressed its full faith in and complete solidarity and support for the Armed Forces of Pakistan.

The resolution reiterated to observe May 9 as ‘Black Day’— a reference to the unprecedented nearly three days-long violent protests by the PTI supporters following their leader Imran Khan’s arrest.

At least eight people were killed and dozens of others left injured during the countrywide riots with internet services remaining suspended for almost 72 hours in the country.

In today’s session, the legislators also demanded that all abettors, planners, facilitators and those directly or indirectly involved in arson attacks on military installations as well as public and private properties should be prosecuted under the existing laws of the country including the Anti-terrorism Act 1997, Army Act 1952 and Pakistan Penal Code 1860.

Moreover, the resolution urged all relevant authorities to implement social media rules and regulations in order to tackle propaganda being unleashed against the country’s institutions, both from within and outside of Pakistan, “under the patronage and facilitation from multiple players”.

“Those involved in such propaganda campaigns should strictly be dealt with as per law,” it added.

The resolution reiterated commitment to national unity, harmony and integrity in the wake of the current geostrategic situation and deprecate all anti-state elements which attempt to destabilise the country.

“…[the] resolution of all political issues must always stay within the realm of parliamentary and democratic norms and resorting to violence against state institutions, public and private properties is totally unacceptable,” it added.

“Incumbent on us to defend armed forces”

Addressing the assembly, Asif said the rioters only attacked military and public installations and did not cause damage to political offices during the May 9 protests

“Their attack was not on military installations, but on Pakistan,” he said, adding that such an attack was expected from India, not from Pakistanis.

In view of the May 9 vandalism, the defence minister said it had become mandatory to defend the armed forces of the country.

“The nations who do not honour their benefactors are destroyed,” he said.

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PTI suggests resuming talks with government over judicial commission issue.

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Barrister Gohar, Chairman of the PTI, has claimed that the party’s founder has suspended negotiations, emphasizing that the government should declare the commission within seven days.

He emphasized the PTI’s openness to rethink if the government makes headway and establishes the commission.

Barrister Gohar told the reporters, “Seven days were enough to announce the commission.” We are ready to reconsider, but the government must first announce the commission.”

He stated that the PTI approached the negotiations with an open mind. “The PTI founder has halted the negotiations. “The government had eight laws on their agenda, while we only had two demands,” he stated.

The PTI chairman went on to say that even after seven days, no progress had been made in forming the commission. He encouraged the government to reconsider the decision and proceed with the announcement.

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PTI will declare February 8 to be “Black Day,” sparking protests across the country.

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According to reports, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) intends to hold rallies nationwide on Wednesday in support of its decision to declare February 8, the one-year anniversary of the general elections, a black day.

According to media sources, PTI founder Imran Khan has instructed all party lawmakers—including MPAs and MNAs—to plan and take part in demonstrations in their local communities on February 8 in order to draw attention to their complaints and issues.

In a recent meeting with legal advisors on Wednesday, Imran Khan expressed dissatisfaction with the performance of the party’s Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram. The meeting emphasized the importance of party discipline and gave stern directives to abstain from any criticism of Maulana Fazlur Rehman, the head of the JUI-F.

It has also been suggested that the PTI engage opposition leaders in the demonstrations in order to win their support.

Party insiders revealed that the founder has urged leaders to ensure effective coordination and mobilised efforts in preparation for February 8.

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In 13 cases involving the D-Chowk demonstration, Bushra Bibi granted temporary release until February 7.

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Bushra Bibi, the wife of the PTI chairman, was granted temporary release by the Islamabad Anti-Terrorism Court (ATC) in 13 counts pertaining to the November 26 D-Chowk protest. Judge Tahir Abbas Supra ordered the police to produce all pertinent documentation by February 7 and granted bail against surety bonds of Rs. 5,000 apiece.

Additionally, Bushra Bibi was given temporary release until February 7 in the Rangers’ accident case. During the hearing, Judge Tahir Abbas Supra expressed disappointment over the behavior of the defense counsel on two occasions. Addressing the lawyers, he remarked, “You demand VIP protocol everywhere, but this is not possible. Prepare your files properly before coming to court.”

Three cases at the Secretariat Police Station, two each at the Margalla, Karachi Company, and Ramna Police Stations, and one each at the Tarnol, Kohsar, Aabpara, and Khanna Police Stations are among the numerous charges against Bushra Bibi.

In addition, the judge chastised the defense team for requesting that Bushra Bibi sign and thumbprint blank documents. He said, “The accused must sign and thumbprint the court orders, not blank sheets.”

Bushra Bibi also went to the Islamabad High Court to have her biometrics verified in relation to her appeal to be exonerated in the Toshakhana-II case. On Monday, Bushra Bibi and the PTI chairman submitted their acquittal petitions. After finishing the biometric procedure, she departed right away.

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