PTI demands SC-led judicial commission on May 9 events

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Saturday reiterated its demand for immediate formation of a judicial commission comprising senior judges of the Supreme Court to conduct a “transparent, impartial and credible” investigation into the events of May 9, 2023, riots, while also calling for the release of party founder Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi.

Riots broke out across the country after Imran’s arrest, after which PTI leaders and workers staged protests targeting both civilian and military installations, including Jinnah House and the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi.

The army called these events a “Black Day” and decided to try the protesters under the Army Law.

Read: ATC sentences 47 PTI leaders to 10 years in prison in May 9 GHQ attack case

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“This action constitutes a blatant violation of the Constitution, the law and fundamental human rights,” he said.

The PTI spokesperson said the party had, from the outset, demanded “transparent, impartial and independent investigations” into the events of May 9 and continued to stick to this demand.

“We have repeatedly made it clear that a judicial commission comprising sitting senior judges of the Supreme Court should be established to present all the facts to the nation,” he said.

Raising questions over the alleged disappearance of CCTV footage linked to the incidents, he said their absence had increased concerns about the credibility of the investigation process.

“Where exactly are these images that could have distinguished truth from lies? » he asked, adding that his unavailability reinforced the impression that the facts were deliberately hidden.

Referring to the PTI founder’s repeated demands, he said the former prime minister had consistently called for the establishment of an independent judicial commission to identify those responsible for the events.

“But unfortunately, to date, no judicial commission has been created and the truth has not been told to the nation. This conduct is contrary to the demands of justice,” he added.

Akram claimed that after May 9, thousands of PTI workers, including women, were arrested and detained for months, while several individuals were convicted “without concrete evidence.”

“These actions not only constitute human rights violations, but also reflect an illegitimate use of state power,” he said.

Read also: The saga of May 9

The PTI chief maintained that the party respected defense institutions and believed that institutional strength could only be ensured through “justice, transparency and the rule of law”.

“We once again demand that an immediate judicial commission comprising senior judges of the Supreme Court be established. All CCTV footage of May 9 be made public,” he said.

He also demanded the immediate release of Imran, Bushra Bibi and “arrested innocent individuals, especially women”.

“The real culprits must be brought to justice in accordance with the law,” he added.

“The nation is waiting for the truth. No matter how many facts are suppressed, they will surely come to light one day or the other,” he said, adding that the PTI would continue its fight for “the supremacy of the Constitution” and restoration of public trust.

Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi also demanded immediate release of footage related to the May 9 incidents, calling the day a “black day in the history of Pakistan”.

“After May 9, false leaders were imposed on the country, who left no stone unturned to destroy Pakistan and its people,” he said.

He said the rulers had weakened state institutions, damaged the economy and widened the gap between the people and the institutions.

Referring to the controversy over the CCTV footage, the chief minister said serious questions remained unanswered regarding the events.

“To date, the CCTV footage of the incident has not been released. That is why my boss Imran Khan Sahib had said: ‘Whoever stole the CCTV footage orchestrated on May 9.'”