President Asif Ali Zardari has remarked that May 9, 2023, will forever be etched as a somber day in Pakistan’s history. He recalled how on that day, a politically motivated mob unleashed chaos across the nation, causing damage to public property and military installations.
In a statement released from the President’s House condemning the violence, he lamented that these regrettable incidents severely marred the country’s reputation, ultimately serving the interests of Pakistan’s adversaries.
President Zardari characterized the mob assaults as a direct challenge to the authority of the state, an affront to the rule of law, and a threat to institutional integrity.
While acknowledging the importance of peaceful demonstrations and constructive criticism in a democracy, he underscored that Pakistan’s Constitution safeguards the fundamental rights of assembly and expression. Nevertheless, he emphasized the necessity of exercising these rights responsibly, within the confines of constitutional and legal boundaries, warning against any misuse to incite violence.
“We’ve witnessed unprecedented vandalism, which is unheard of in responsible democracies, where violent mobs wreak havoc on state assets for political motives,” he remarked.
Expressing pride in Pakistan’s Armed Forces and institutions for their steadfast defense of the nation against various threats, he insisted that those accountable for the May 9 violence must face legal repercussions.
President Zardari acknowledged the numerous challenges confronting Pakistan, noting that such irresponsible actions by political factions impede national progress and exacerbate socio-economic issues.
“The current political climate necessitates concerted efforts from all political entities to uphold democratic values, foster tolerance, and engage in constructive political discourse to guide the nation forward,” he asserted.
He called upon political parties, parliament, media, and civil society to bolster democracy by upholding the rule of law and promoting a culture of tolerance, dialogue, and inclusivity.
President Zardari also condemned the malicious social media campaigns targeting state institutions, advocating for mechanisms to counter such disinformation effectively.
Highlighting the need to harness the potential of Pakistan’s youth for national development, he urged against inciting them against state institutions, emphasizing the importance of collective efforts to build a prosperous future and eradicate political polarization and animosity.
