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‘Rioters convicted by military courts have pointed finger at Imran Khan’

News Desk

Dec 21

Senior journalist and former information minister Murtaza Solangi has claimed that May 9 rioters convicted by military courts, have pointed the finger at Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan.

 

As many as 25 PTI activists involved in attacks on military installations on May 9, 2023, were convicted and sentenced, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement issued Saturday.

 

“All evidence was present against the culprits who were sentenced today. Not only did they confessed to their crimes in front of the judge, but also confessed to being incited to commit those crimes, by different leaders of the PTI,” he wrote in a post on X.

 

The journalist went on to claim that among those leaders was Imran Khan as well.

 

Scores of PTI workers were arrested and more than 100 civilians are facing military trials for last year’s riots over the arrest of former prime minister and PTI founder Khan.

 

“Field General Court Martial have in [the] first phase promulgated the punishments to 25 accused,” the ISPR said in its statement issued hours before Solangi’s claims.

 

The statement from the military’s media wing came as the PTI maintains it had no role in attacks on state installations, including the ransacking of the General Headquarters (GHQ).

 

While the PTI also demands a judicial commission to probe last year’s events, Saturday’s statement added that the promulgation of the sentences of remaining accused was also being done and will be announced shortly as and when the due process is complete.

 

"All convicts retain the right to appeal and other legal recourses, as guaranteed by the law and the Constitution," the ISPR said.

 

 It added that the nation on May 9 witnessed tragic incidents of politically provoked violence and arson at multiple places, marking a dark chapter in the history of Pakistan.

 

Building on a sustained narrative of hate and lies, the ISPR said, politically orchestrated attacks were carried out on the installations of the armed forces, including the desecration of martyrs’ monuments.

 

“Many accused are also being tried in various Anti-Terrorism Courts and their cases are being pursued as per the law, however, justice would truly be fully served once the mastermind and planners of 9th May Tragedy are punished as per the Constitution and laws of the land,” the statement read.

 

“State of Pakistan will continue to vigoursly pursue dispensation of justice to ensure establishment of inviolable writ of the State, so as to uproot this evil of violence driven disruptive and destructive politics based on hate, divisiveness and baseless propaganda,” it concluded.

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