Islamabad, December 21, 204: Perpetrators of the May 9 riots have, in their confessional statements, held Imran Khan’s anti-military speeches and instigation by other leaders responsible for their actions.
Following the violent attacks on May 9, 2023, military courts have sentenced 25 individuals involved in the riots. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), these convictions were handed down after thorough evidence review and the completion of due legal processes.
Earlier, the ISPR stated today that Field General Court Martial (FGCM) announced the sentences after providing all legal rights to the accused. These violent incidents, described as politically motivated and orchestrated attacks on military installations, are considered a dark chapter in Pakistan’s history.
The convicts have confessed to being influenced by political leaders, particularly by anti-military rhetoric propagated through speeches.
Jan Muhammad Khan who has been sentenced to 10 years for his role in the Jinnah House attack, admitted to wearing a military uniform shirt during the incident, recording a video, and later burning the shirt. Ali Shan, also sentenced to 10 years, stated that Imran Khan’s speeches shaped his mindset. “Following Imran Khan’s arrest, I was incited by political leaders to attack Jinnah House,” he confessed.
Another accused Babar Jamal Khan, sentenced to 10 years for his role in the M.M. Alam Airbase attack in Mianwali, confessed, “I was directly involved in the attack and accept my guilt.”
Daud Khan, sentenced to 10 years, admitted to being incited by Yasmin Rashid and Hassan Niazi. He stated, “Speeches created hatred in our minds against the military, and I participated in the Jinnah House attack.”
Muhammad Hashir, sentenced to six years, admitted to inciting others during the Jinnah House attack. He revealed that the planning for the attack was carried out under Yasmin Rashid’s leadership.
Other convicted individuals, such as Faheem Haider (6 years) and Muhammad Ashiq Khan (4 years), also admitted that their actions were motivated by incitement from PTI leadership. They confessed to being part of the attacks and planning the incidents.
Convict Muhammad Bilawal, sentenced to two years, revealed he participated in the Jinnah House attack after being incited by PTI leadership, including Dr. Yasmin Rashid’s speeches.
The ISPR emphasized that these convictions highlight the severe consequences of exploiting political propaganda for violent purposes. The military termed the events of May 9 as a coordinated effort to undermine national stability.
The military vowed to pursue the masterminds behind the attacks and ensure justice under the Constitution and law. They underscored the importance of upholding the rule of law to prevent future acts of violence and political divisiveness.
