JUST days before, the PTI issued a white paper alleging that its mandate has been stolen through extensive rigging which needs to be probed by a Judicial Commission. The paper also reiterated that 9th May was a false flag operation to trap PTI. It contends that repeated requests by PTI leadership for formation of a Judicial Commission on this issue have also fell on deaf ears. Perhaps it would be pertinent to narrate the contention regarding denial of PTI involvement in the 9th May incidents and how according to it the way was paved to put the blame on PTI.
The paper alleges that Imran Khan was abducted on 9th May from Islamabad High Court premises by Rangers, sparking widespread shock and anger. A false flag operation then incited crowds from distant areas to protest at various army centres, including Corp Commander House in Lahore, GHQ Rawalpindi, and Faisalabad. The orchestrated response exploited public sentiment against PTI, leading to the abduction of thousands of PTI members. Yet, final legal actions have not been pursued.
Leaving aside allegations of rigging and stealing the mandate of the party which is being looked into by election tribunals and the ECP, this scribe would prefer commenting on PTI’ claim regarding false flag operation on 9th May to implicate PTI leaders and workers in the incidents that occurred on that fateful day. It is really amazing that notwithstanding credible and irrefutable evidence regarding PTI’s involvement in those incidents and who was the mastermind behind them the party still has the audacity to put the blame on the agencies.
The entire nation saw on the TV screens nephew of Imran Khan Hassan Niazi waving uniform of the Corp Commander on a stick standing on the roof of a car claiming victory. The audio leaks of PTI leaders telling each other about destruction of the Corp Commander House by their workers and their confession of having led the workers to that venue also provide undeniable evidence of the fact that it was a pre-planned scheme of the PTI. There is also strong evidence available in regards to who masterminded the whole episode as has been revealed by PTI stalwarts who said adieu to the party after this tragic incident. They have unequivocally stated that the plan was masterminded by Imran himself.
The 9th of May marked a dark chapter in our history as a party attacked state institutions to further its political agenda, resulting in humiliation for martyrs and endangering national security. Despite nearly a year passing since these reprehensible acts, perpetrators remain at large, prompting questions about accountability. Examining the past year reveals the party responsible for these attacks has faced consequences, with its leader imprisoned and many prominent members departing due to anti-state actions. Those remaining face an uncertain political future.
The party’s leadership is now dominated by lawyers, leading to internal conflicts that have nearly dismantled it. Losing its identity, the party has sought support from unfamiliar groups like the Sunni Ittehad Council. Efforts to conduct intra-party elections have been futile and its focus has shifted to personal issues like the leader’s spouse’s illness and baseless accusations against state institutions. Legal proceedings against those involved in the 9th May crimes have seen some convictions in military courts, but pending verdicts remain due to judicial restrictions. More cases against PTI leaders, including its founder, are underway, likely to conclude soon.
PTI’s political opponents have formed a coalition government, prioritizing political stability and economic revival. Opposition parties in three provinces, distancing themselves from the 9th May events, are engaging in constructive relationships, with one provincial PTI chief minister seeking to mend ties with the Pakistan Army. Diplomatic and economic ties with friendly nations are strengthening, evidenced by significant visits from Saudi and Iranian delegations. The US has indicated Pakistan’s importance in the region, while CPEC progresses into its second phase with Chinese collaboration.
For the revival of economy SIFC has been established in cooperation with Army which has achieved tremendous success within short span of time. Due to the personal interest of the Army Chief SIFC is playing a pivotal role in economic recovery. The recent agreements concluded with foreign countries adequately speak of the success of SIFC. The government and Army are taking significant steps to check smuggling which will surely lead to improvement in the economic environment within the country. Attaining the milestone of 72000 points by hundred index bringing buoyancy in the stock market is also indicative of the impact of better economic policies.
The Army which was target of the 9th May attacks seems more united and pro-active. To preserve the internal and external security of the country it is making unrelenting efforts to anti-Pakistan elements throughout the length and breadth of the country. In addition to its basic role and duties Pakistan Army is also providing assistance in bolstering diplomatic and economic situation of the country. Keeping in view the foregoing realities it can be easily understood that the architects and executioners of 9th May have either reached the logical outcome of their crimes or are going to bear the brunt of their anti-state actions. Whereas the state which was the target of 9th May attacks seems determined to orchestrate development and prosperity as also confirmed by international lending and rating agencies.
—The writer is contributing columnist, based in Islamabad.
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