President Dr Arif Alvi Thursday called for taking action against the individuals involved in vandalism and arson which took place on May 9 following the arrest of Imran Khan in a corruption case.
During an interview on Geo News’ program “Capital Talk,” the president asked Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan to openly condemn the violent incidents which led to burning of army installations and public and private properties in the country.
The PTI leadership, including Imran Khan, has already condemned the attacks and called for a Supreme Court-led investigation into the incidents, which occurred following Imran Khan’s arrest in the Al-Qadir Trust case. The protests resulted in several deaths and injuries, leading to the arrest of thousands of PTI workers.
The army described May 9, 2023, as a “dark chapter” in history due to the chaos and attacks on army installations. Both the military and the government have pledged to prosecute the vandals involved in the attacks under the Pakistan Army Act, Official Secrets Act, and other relevant laws.
While some human rights organizations and government officials oppose trying civilians under the army act, they agree that the vandals should be tried and afforded due process.
President Alvi emphasized in the interview that the suspects’ rights should be respected during the trials, and they should not be subjected to torture.
He stated that those involved should be punished according to the law.
The president also clarified that Imran Khan did not oppose Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir.
According to President Alvi, Imran Khan instructed him to convey to General Bajwa that he would accept anyone approved by the institution as the next chief.
While Imran Khan has criticized the current military leadership and accused a senior official of involvement in an assassination attempt, he has also expressed his intention not to interfere with the institution’s affairs when he assumes power, reiterating that he does not intervene in such matters.
