In a significant move, the caretaker government has formed a committee to probe the countrywide violence on May 9 following the arrest of the then PTI Chairman Imran Khan. According to a notification issued by the Cabinet Division, the committee, comprising cabinet ministers, is tasked with ascertaining different aspects of the mayhem. The committee aims to identify the masterminds, planners and facilitators of the violence, presenting its findings to the caretaker prime minister within two weeks.
We fully endorse the remarks of Information Minister Murtaza Solangi, who in an interview on Saturday, emphasized the need for a holistic investigation into the May 9 incidents. Indeed, it will always stand out as a black day in Pakistan’s history. The unprecedented violence witnessed on this day involved the ransacking of security installations and the disrespect of memorials dedicated to martyrs. Pakistan Army demonstrated patience and restraint, acting in the larger national interest to thwart the conspiracy aimed at pitching the people against security institutions. The unwavering love and affection of the Pakistani populace for their armed defence is undeniable. Following the May 9 events, individuals from diverse segments of society unequivocally denounced the violent actions perpetrated by the workers of a political party. There is a collective desire among the public to see those responsible for the violence held accountable and brought to justice. While acknowledging the need for an investigation into May 9, we believe that a far more effective approach should have been to constitute a judicial commission on the matter so that nobody could raise any question on its credulity and fairness.
We also believe that the caretaker government should stay away from any actions that cast doubt on its impartiality in the run-up to the elections. As part of a comprehensive strategy, the authorities must also focus on monitoring and addressing false narratives, misinformation and malicious content against state institutions on social media platforms. Collaborative efforts between relevant agencies, technology companies and the public can contribute to the development of effective mechanism to counteract propaganda and ensure that accurate information prevails. By fostering a responsible and vigilant digital environment, we can mitigate the potential harm caused by unfounded narratives.
