In the wake of the military court sentencing 25 individuals involved in the May 9 riots, calls for holding PTI founder Imran Khan accountable have gained momentum. The ISPR has indicated that those responsible for orchestrating the violent events of May 9 will face due punishment, while Defence Minister Khawaja Asif affirmed that justice has only reached the foot soldiers of that day. The operation, he stated, will not conclude until the architects of the tragedy are brought to justice.

According to ISPR, the sentencing marks a milestone in delivering justice to the nation. However, they emphasised that true justice will only be achieved when the masterminds and planners of the May 9 events are held accountable under the Constitution and the law. ISPR assured that Pakistan will ensure justice to reinforce the state’s authority.

Was May 9 Merely a Reaction or a Planned Insurrection?

A critical question arises: Were the riots of May 9 a spontaneous reaction to Imran Khan’s arrest, or was there meticulous planning by PTI? Analysts argue that the attacks on military installations, desecration of martyrs’ memorials, and incitement against military leadership were not merely emotional reactions. Instead, they suggest that the violence was a calculated rebellion, potentially aided by foreign forces, aimed at sparking a civil war.

Sources reveal that groups of young individuals disillusioned with Pakistan’s ideology were recruited from Afghanistan and remote regions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. These recruits reportedly underwent military training in border areas and were indoctrinated with anti-Pakistan sentiments, making this psychological conditioning a cornerstone of their preparation.

A Web of Betrayal and Subversion

Observers claim that Imran Khan and Lt Gen Faiz Hameed emboldened anti-state forces to launch a rebellion against Pakistan. The violence of May 9, they assert, was designed to dishonour the spirit of martyrdom and create divisions within the nation. Initially, PTI leaders referred to the day’s events as a “failed coup” rather than public backlash, indicating a premeditated agenda.

Experts further allege that PTI’s actions aimed to destabilise Pakistan, weaken its borders, and discredit its nuclear programme by orchestrating anarchy through trained insurgents. Evidence suggests that this scheme involved long-term planning executed in phases, mimicking military operations.

Oath of Loyalty and Deployment

Once their training was complete, the recruited individuals reportedly pledged loyalty to Imran Khan and awaited further orders. Subsequently, they were strategically dispersed across the country to act upon command.

Military Court’s Landmark Sentencing

By sentencing 25 individuals involved in the May 9 unrest, the military court has taken the first step in dismantling this network of sedition. Analysts believe that the masterminds and facilitators of the tragic events will soon be apprehended.

Critics have also highlighted the hypocrisy of those condemning military courts today, pointing out their silence during Imran Khan’s tenure. Between 2018 and 2022, military courts, with Khan’s approval, sentenced 17 civilians, including three death penalties and 14 imprisonments ranging from five to 14 years. These same courts are now being labelled “unconstitutional” by PTI leaders.

This sentencing is a decisive moment in Pakistan’s pursuit of justice and sovereignty, with the focus shifting toward holding the true architects of May 9 accountable.