MPs Fire Fresh Salvo At May 9 Rioters, Call For 'Speedy Trial'

MPs Fire Fresh Salvo At May 9 Rioters, Call For 'Speedy Trial'
Both houses of the parliament passed unanimous resolutions on Monday, seeking a speedy trial of the May 9 rioters in the military courts.

In the National Assembly, the resolution was tabled by Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, who demanded action against the perpetrators and instigators under the law and Constitution without delay.

The lawmakers noted that a single political party and its chairman crossed all limits and attacked army installations.

Noting the 'irreparable' loss that the incident had caused to the state and its institutions, they asserted that the former ruling party had an 'anti-state agenda' at play, implemented by the May 9 rioters.

They strongly rejected the impression of human rights violations during the questioning of the suspects. According to them, certain elements are resorting to a baseless propaganda on the issue.

The MPs went on to add that those involved should be sentenced under the Army Act 1952, and that the authority of such a trial rests with the forces, in other countries, too.

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In the Senate, the resolution was moved by Minister for State, Shahadat Awan. It stated that, "The House condemns the violent attacks of May 9," including those on Radio Pakistan and Jinnah House.

Both resolutions praised the martyrs of Pakistan Army for their sacrifices for the country. "The miscreants involved in these incidents should be dealt with strictly," it added.

Earlier today, Islamabad police filed cases against a number of journalists and YouTubers for "inciting" the unrest after PTI chairman Imran Khan's arrest.

According to the complainant, the social media of the accused was evidence that they were aiding anti-state agencies, defaming military and attempting to create mutiny in the army as part of a conspiracy.

Riots broke out in multiple cities after Imran was taken into custody from the IHC premises in the Al-Qadir Trust case.

The violence included an arson at the Lahore Corps Commander's House – also known as Jinnah House –  as May 9 rioters vandalised the residence.