Pakistan is observing the first anniversary of May 9 mayhem, the darkest event in country’s history when unprecedented violence changed the political landscape after the arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan.
After the shock arrest of PTI chief Imran Khan from court premises by paramilitary forces on May 9, 2023, country-wide protests erupted targeting state and military installations. Pakistan Army’s General Headquarters in Rawalpindi, the corps commander’s house in Lahore, and the Radio Pakistan premises in Peshawar were attacked.
Supreme Court later declared Imran’s arrest from IHC premises illegal, ordering his immediate release, he however remains in custody. Pakistan then imposed mobile internet blockade and started cracking down on PTI leaders, workers, supporters, and those allied with the party’s cause within the media and legal fraternity.
May 9 events resulted in deaths of political activists, while over 190 injured police officers, and hundreds were arrested. On May 10, Section 144 was imposed nationwide, and military deployment was ordered to quell the riots.
Imran Khan claimed he was hit on the head with batons during his arrest and stated that NAB’s treatment toward him during custody was acceptable. When questioned about the violent protests, he said he had warned of a reaction if he was arrested but questioned how he could have stopped the riots.
