The recent pardon of 19 convicts involved in the May 9 riots has sparked optimism among PTI supporters, with hopes that remaining detainees will soon be released, including Imran Khan avoiding military trials in related cases. However, analysts believe that the Chief of Army Staff’s decision was limited to those who had served a significant portion of their sentence under military custody prior to formal sentencing by military courts. Key offenders involved in attacks on military installations, desecration of martyrs’ monuments, and arson have neither been pardoned nor are they expected to receive any relief.

According to senior journalist Salman Ghani, this decision by the armed forces demonstrates leniency and magnanimity, traits symbolic of a professional military. He noted that the military has shown it harbours no enmity against anyone, instead standing committed to accountability and the rule of law.

Ghani highlighted that the 19 convicts availed their legal right to file mercy petitions, which were granted purely on humanitarian grounds. He speculated that similar considerations might apply to other pending appeals. However, he emphasized the need to evaluate the timing of these pardons and whether they signal any potential relief for those accused of graver offences.

Historically, Ghani remarked, the military’s strength lies in its unity with the nation. By pardoning these 19 individuals, the armed forces reaffirmed their nationalistic commitment, free from bias or vendetta. The May 9 trials under military courts illustrated the military’s adherence to constitutional norms, ensuring no one, regardless of their stature, is above the law.

Meanwhile, other analysts argued that these pardons do not signify a general amnesty. Senior commentator Muneeb Farooq suggested that only those guilty of minor infractions have been granted leniency, while masterminds and facilitators harbouring rebellion against the military remain unlikely to be forgiven. Farooq noted that the amnesties predominantly involved sentences close to two years, served by the detainees in military custody, warranting their release.

Despite these developments, those convicted of serious charges are unlikely to receive any concessions, underscoring the military’s resolute stance against the May 9 perpetrators.