General Syed Asim Munir, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), has pledged to prosecute all those responsible for the devastation on May 9’s “Black Day,” when the nation saw violent demonstrations in response to the incarceration of former prime leader Imran Khan.
The army commander said that “the armed forces will not tolerate any further attempt to violate the sanctity and security of its installations or vandalism.” He also vowed to prosecute any organisers, aiders, instigators, and “executors of vandalism on the Black Day of 9th May.”
During his visit to the Corps Headquarters in Peshawar, COAS Gen. Munir made the remarks, according to Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) information made available on Saturday.
Following the PTI leader’s arrest on May 9 in the Al-Qadir Trust case, party members violently protested, vandalising government buildings and attacking military sites, including the General Headquarters (GHQ) and the Lahore Corps Commander House.
At least 10 people were murdered and several more were injured during the days-long, violent demonstrations, and internet connectivity was blocked for more than 72 hours.
The military said that May 9, 2023, will be remembered as a “dark chapter” in history after the demonstrations.