Pakistan's armed forces, together with the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) and service chiefs, strongly denounced the criminal activities committed during the May 9 riots last year, vowing not to let its "executors" get away with their violent behavior.
In a statement, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) described May 9 (Black Day) as one of the darkest days in the country's history, stating that politically motivated and brainwashed miscreants deliberately resorted to violence against state institutions and vandalized sacred symbols of the state as well as national heritage sites.
Following the arrest of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan on this day last year, violent demonstrations and rioting erupted across the country, particularly in the garrison town, with angry crowds vandalizing private and public property, including military facilities.
"Failing to undermine national harmony and stability, the planners, facilitators, and executors of this conspiracy embarked upon a sinister campaign of hate against the Armed Forces and the state with an intent to twist the narrative to their advantage and shift the blame on the state institutions," the ISPR stated.
It added that, exactly for this reason, no compromise can be reached with the planners, facilitators, and executors of the May 9 tragedy, nor can they be permitted to deceive the law of the country.
"Bringing the real culprits of May 9 to justice is paramount to ensuring that in the future, no one dares to desecrate the memories of our heroes and the symbols of our unity through such unwarranted conduct," the statement read.
The ISPR said that the acts were a futile attempt to bring about a misplaced and shortsighted revolution in the country.
"By displaying utmost restraint during this deliberate and brazenly orchestrated violence, Pakistan Armed Forces thwarted the insidious conspiracy by the planners, facilitators and executors who wanted to destabilise Pakistan by inciting confrontation between the people and the Armed Forces," it added.
The military's media wing added that the country's armed forces, today,, have renewed their resolve to defend the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Pakistan and defeat nefarious designs of the enemies of its, both external and internal.
"Our Shuhada and their families are pride of Pakistan. The Armed Forces of Pakistan pledge to uphold their dignity and respect at all costs. Pakistan Armed Forces hold a very special relationship with the people of Pakistan," the statement mentioned.
It invited the nation to join hands to strongly denounce the conspiracies to weaken Pakistan and work together for the prosperity and stability of our beloved country. "Pakistan Armed Forces Zinda’bad, Pakistan Painda’bad."