Military Courts Sentence 25 Individuals for May 9 Violence
Islamabad: Twenty-five individuals involved in the May 9, 2023, attacks on state and military installations have been sentenced to prison terms ranging from 2 to 10 years by military courts, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) announced on Saturday.
The sentences, issued by Field General Court Martial (FGCM), are part of the first phase of trials related to the violent protests that erupted following the arrest of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan in a corruption case.
“FGCM has promulgated punishments to 25 accused,” the ISPR said in its statement, adding that the sentences for other accused individuals will be announced once the remaining trials are completed.
The events of May 9, described as a “dark chapter” by the ISPR, saw politically driven violence targeting military installations, including an attack on the General Headquarters (GHQ) and the desecration of monuments honoring martyrs. The ISPR condemned these incidents as “political terrorism” aimed at imposing a distorted narrative through violence and coercion.
The PTI, however, denies involvement in the attacks and has called for an independent judicial investigation. Over 100 civilians are reportedly facing military trials for their alleged roles in the violence, which the ISPR said was fueled by a sustained campaign of “hate and lies.”
The military’s media wing highlighted that the trials were conducted following due legal process, with irrefutable evidence collected against the accused. All convicted individuals retain the right to appeal and pursue other legal avenues as guaranteed by the Constitution.
The military trials, initially suspended due to a Supreme Court ruling, were resumed following a recent directive from the constitutional bench. The court instructed that pending cases be finalized and judgments announced for those found guilty of involvement in the violent incidents.
The May 9 events marked a significant moment in Pakistan’s recent history, prompting debates over the role of military courts and the intersection of politics and law enforcement in the country.
