GUJRAT: Federal Minister for Information, Broadcasting, National Heritage and Culture Attaullah Tarar categorically stated on Saturday that the events of May 9 are unpardonable and will not be compromised or forgiven due to ongoing negotiations with the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI).

During a media interaction in Rahwali, Gujranwala, on Saturday, the minister said overlooking PTI’s anti-state activities would be tantamount to opening the gates of jails and releasing the culprits.

While acknowledging the seriousness of the crimes, the government is negotiating with PTI to prioritise national stability. Criticising PTI, he said the party was promoting an incomprehensible false narrative about military court convictions, often changing its stance with remarks like, “Are we slaves?” He said there was need adhere to the correct narrative and avoid the politicisation of state affairs, particularly in matters of international relations. PTI often makes statements and then reverses its position.

Mr Tarar said that 85 PTI activists responsible for the violence on May 9 were convicted by military courts following a thorough legal process. The evidence proving their involvement in the attacks on army installations was considered irrefutable, while the cases of the remaining individuals involved in sabotage activities were being processed in various anti-terrorism courts.

Referring to the ISPR DG’s recent press conference as comprehensive, he said that the DG addressed topics including the May 9 violence, the war on terrorism, and the military trials of miscreants. He said that trying those who attack military installations in military courts is a common global practice.

He said that those convicted for the May 9 violence were given a fair trial, the right to appeal within military and high courts, access to case records, contact with their families, and were not tried in absentia.

The minister said that, just as drug cases are handled by Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) courts, terrorism cases by anti-terrorism courts, mega corruption cases by NAB, and attacks on railway facilities by the Railway Police, attacks on military installations are prosecuted in military courts.

He said the convictions were not rushed, taking two years to reach verdicts against the culprits. All were prosecuted in accordance with relevant laws, and he stressed the need to prosecute the planners and masterminds behind the May 9 violence.

He said that even the harshest opponents of the government were acknowledging the economy was on the right track, exports were rising, foreign currency reserves were increasing, and the rupee was stable against the dollar.

He acknowledged PTI’s role in the passage of the 26th Amendment, working together with JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman to have various clauses removed from the draft amendment package.

Published in Dawn, December 29th, 2024