‘Few people’ planning May 9-like riots, claims Mohsin Naqvi.
In the wake of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s (PTI) threats to stage protests over alleged electoral irregularities, Caretaker Punjab Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi has sounded a cautionary note, citing concerns over potential unrest reminiscent of the events that transpired on May 9 of the previous year.
The tumultuous events of May 9 unfolded nationwide following the arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan in connection with a £190 million settlement case. Scores of PTI activists and senior figures were detained in connection with violence and attacks on military installations during the ensuing protests.
The disturbances saw a spate of assaults on both civilian and military targets, including Jinnah House and the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi.
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Designating May 9 as a “Black Day,” the military opted to prosecute the demonstrators under the Army Act.
While affirming the right to peaceful protests, Naqvi underscored a commitment to taking decisive action should a recurrence of the May 9 incidents materialize.
He assured the public that peaceful protests would be respected and allowed to proceed unhindered.
In addressing the suspension of mobile phone services across the country, Naqvi clarified that the decision was made at the federal level. He further emphasized that his caretaker government discharged its duties in accordance with its mandate.
Naqvi urged individuals with grievances regarding the election results to pursue appropriate legal avenues for redress.
The country went to the polls on February 8 amidst the backdrop of suspended mobile phone services.
The outcome of the 2024 elections has defied expectations, with the PTI emerging as a significant force in both the national and provincial assemblies, notably in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
As ‘Few people’ planning May 9-like riots, according to Mohsin Naqvi, unofficial tallies indicate that PTI-backed candidates secured over 90 seats in the National Assembly and 116 in the Punjab Assembly.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the party clinched a commanding majority, securing 84 out of 113 contested seats on February 8.
